The Co-Chairs of the 4th World Fisheries Congress are pleased to present our new website:  www.worldfisheries2004.org

The American Fisheries Society has been honoured to be selected as the host of the 4th Congress at the Beijing, China assembly of the 3rd World Fisheries Congress, thanks to the fine efforts of the International Fisheries Section.  Vancouver, British Columbia, has been selected as the host city, thus it will provide a closer opportunity for all to attend the upcoming Congress, 2-6 May, 2004.  This is the first time this global event has been held in North America.

The Theme of the 4th Congress is:  "Reconciling Fisheries with Conservation: The Challenge of Managing Aquatic Ecosystems"

An international array of prestigious fisheries scientists will be giving keynote addresses, and chairing program sessions. In addition, the program contains over 40 sessions that address the most pressing issues in fisheries management in both freshwater and marine ecosystems, along with a special forum for interested industry representatives and non-governmental organizations. The details of the program and venue are provided as they become available on the web page.

An expression of interest form is included on the web page to ensure you are kept current on all future announcements. We will periodically provide you with an update notice concerning any news and pertinent deadlines related to the Congress.

We will also be calling on all of the Chapters, Sections, and Divisions of the American Fisheries Society to ask assistance in putting on the Congress to ensure the international family of fisheries professionals that visit North America will experience a World Class event.

This event will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime event for most of us, so please put these dates on your calendar and make plans to attend now.  

Please send this notice on to your colleagues.

We look forward seeing you in Vancouver in 2004!!