Far-Reaching Technologies: International Technical Programs for the Conservation and Improvement of Aquatic Ecosystems

Societal and natural systems must function properly in order for people to enjoy a reasonable quality of life over the long-term.  This symposium would describe various programs that enable environmental professionals to apply their knowledge and skills to address environmental problems stemming from natural or human causes, and to promote environmental and societal well-being over the long-term.  More specifically, this symposium would present emerging concepts, practices, and programs that facilitate the transfer of ecological knowledge, tools, and technology to areas that lack these capabilities, mainly through the efforts and auspices of individuals and organizations willing to volunteer their services and resources.

Symposium presenters would describe opportunities available to AFS members and session guests to provide or avail themselves of, as the case may be, technical expertise in fishery, aquatic, landscape, wildlife, and earth science technologies.  International speakers will discuss the acute need for such information and technology transfer networks.   The partnership between AFS and the non-profit organization Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWoB), and their respective roles in promoting volunteerism within the scientific community, will be described by symposium conveners.  EcoWoB was founded in 2009 to facilitate the volunteer-based dissemination of environmental expertise from “have” to “have-not” areas of the world.  The expertise available includes not only fisheries science and management, but also landscape, wildlife, watershed, estuarine, and marine ecology.  Representatives from EcoWoB and other AFS-affiliated organizations such as Aquaculture Without Frontiers will present examples and models of potential projects and partnerships.  Support for the symposium is expected from agency, NGO, and corporate sponsors.  The symposium is proposed to be held over in an afternoon session, to be followed by a reception affiliated with the International Fisheries Section Meeting.  The conveners will also maintain a tradeshow space and encourage information exchange among organizations that promote environmental conservation and human welfare