American Fisheries Society

What American Fisheries Society does

The Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (ICAFS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional society chapter, affiliated with the parent American Fisheries Society (founded 1870), that serves fisheries professionals, students, and K-12 educators in Idaho. Operating under the umbrella of AFS, the chapter advances fisheries and aquatic science, promotes professional development, supports conservation of native fish species (cutthroat trout, bull trout, redband trout), and facilitates collaboration across state, federal, tribal, academic, and private-sector stakeholders — including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and three Idaho universities (University of Idaho, Idaho State University, BYU-Idaho). Membership in the parent AFS is required for governance participation, and the chapter's geographic focus is exclusively Idaho.

The chapter delivers a portfolio of programs rather than discrete products. Core educational assets include the Following Fishes curriculum (an anadromous Chinook and Steelhead lesson with lesson plans, PowerPoints, and Excel data files), the Idaho Native Trout Supplement for Trout-in-the-Classroom teachers, a webinar series (e.g., Stream GIS in 2021, Backpack Electrofishing in 2022), and the bimonthly Gill Raker Gazette newsletter published continuously since 1979. Student engagement runs through three university-based Student Units, a free anonymous resume evaluation service, and five scholarship/grant instruments (Susan B. Martin $4,000, ICAFS Undergraduate $1,500, ICAFS High School $750, Douglas J. Megargle Graduate, and TOP Grants of $50-$1,000) plus K-12 Aquatic Education grants of $50-$1,250. The chapter also runs an annual awards program across nine categories (Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Fishery Professional, Early Career, Native Fish Conservation, Mentor, Aquaculture, Aquatic Habitat, plus student/professional poster and presentation awards). Governance runs through nine active committees (Anadromous Fish, Aquaculture, Aquatic Habitat, Continuing Education, Fundraising, Membership, Mentoring, Native Fish, Public Education, plus the newer Recruitment and Retention Committee formed in 2023), all staffed by volunteers including a President, President-Elect, Vice President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Student Unit Presidents.

ICAFS generates revenue through five streams: AFS membership dues (subscription, recurring), annual meeting registration fees (one-time), corporate sponsorships (cash from Idaho Power, Merck Animal Health, HDR, SWCA, Lotek, VodaIQ, and others used to defray meeting costs), vendor/trade show fees of $350 per exhibitor (transactional), and tax-deductible donations. Annual meetings historically draw 250-300 attendees and the chapter received the AFS Outstanding Chapter Award and Western Division Chapter of the Year Award in 2023; a 2027 joint annual meeting with the Idaho Chapter of The Wildlife Society is scheduled for February 22-25 at the Boise Centre. The organization is wholly volunteer-staffed with no paid employees.

Name

American Fisheries Society

Legal name

Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

Website

https://idahoafs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ICAFS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit chapter of the American Fisheries Society serving Idaho fisheries professionals, students, and K-12 educators. It delivers scholarships, webinars, curriculum, an annual meeting, and nine programmatic committees under volunteer governance.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Fisheries Society Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

Keywords

• Professional fisheries society
• Aquatic science education
• Fisheries scholarships and grants
• Annual fisheries conference
• Aquatic resource conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Bethesda

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Revenue generated through American Fisheries Society membership fees. Members gain online access to publications and network access.
2. Annual Meeting Fees: Registration fees for annual meetings. Members receive reduced registration rates.
3. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide cash contributions to help cover meeting costs, printing, food and beverages. Sponsor logos appear in programs and on website.
4. Vendor/Trade Show Fees: Vendors pay fees for trade show space at annual meetings. Typical attendance of 250-300 fisheries professionals representing government agencies, nonprofits, academia, and private companies.
5. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Also includes donations to scholarships and auction items for annual fundraiser.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (ICAFS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional organization that advances fisheries and aquatic science and promotes the development of fisheries professionals in Idaho. The chapter delivers educational curricula, scholarships, grants, webinars, an annual meeting, the Gill Raker Gazette newsletter, student units at Idaho universities, and a chapter awards program. Activities are funded through membership dues, sponsorships, donations, vendor fees, and annual meeting registrations.

Product overview

The Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society operates as a professional society offering a portfolio of educational programs, scholarships, and professional development services. Core offerings include curriculum resources (Following Fishes, Idaho Native Trout Supplement), the Aquatic Education/Trout-in-the-Classroom Grants program, webinars, and the Gill Raker Gazette newsletter. The chapter administers multiple scholarships including the Douglas J Megargle Memorial Scholarship, Susan B. Martin Scholarship, ICAFS Undergraduate and High School Scholarships, and TOP Grants for students. Student engagement is supported through Student Units at three Idaho universities, resume evaluation services, and a comprehensive Chapter Awards Program recognizing achievements in fisheries science, native fish conservation, aquaculture, and habitat restoration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gill Raker Gazette: Newsletter published by the Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, first published in 1979 and currently published at least twice a year

Products and services

• Annual Meeting and Conference Annual in-person conference featuring plenary sessions, technical presentations, workshops, student competitions, and a tradeshow with vendor booths for fisheries professionals across government, nonprofit, academic, and private organizations.
• Following Fishes Curriculum An anadromous fish lesson for secondary science students focused on Chinook and Steelhead salmon biology, Endangered Species Act management, and PIT tagging technology used to track fish migration; includes lesson plan, PowerPoint presentation, worksheets, and Excel data files.
• Idaho Native Trout Supplement A Trout-in-the-Classroom supplement developed by the Native Fish Committee introducing students to Idaho's native trout species including Columbia River redband trout, bull trout, and cutthroat trout subspecies.
• Gill Raker Gazette Newsletter The chapter's newsletter published at least twice annually, containing news, updates, and information relevant to Idaho fisheries professionals.
• ICAFS Webinars Educational webinars on specialized fisheries topics such as Stream GIS Datasets and Spatial Modeling (2021) and Theory and Techniques of Backpack Electrofishing (2022).
• Trout-in-the-Classroom Grants Grants ranging from $50 to $1,250 to assist Idaho K-12 teachers with aquatic education efforts including Trout-in-the-Classroom programs and field trips; applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly.
• ICAFS Training Opportunity and Project (TOP) Grant $50 to $1,000 grant for high school and college students in Idaho to conduct research, implement education projects, attend professional conferences, or other activities consistent with the chapter's mission.
• Susan B. Martin Scholarship $4,000 graduate scholarship awarded annually in memory of Susan B. Martin, the first female president of the Idaho Chapter, to foster development of fish and aquatic professionals at Idaho schools.
• ICAFS Undergraduate Scholarship $1,500 scholarship awarded annually to undergraduate students attending any school in Idaho to support fisheries-related education.
• ICAFS High School Scholarship $750 scholarship awarded annually to Idaho high school seniors planning to attend any college or university in Idaho.
• Douglas J. Megargle Memorial Scholarship Graduate scholarship for students attending or affiliated with a student subunit at any school in Idaho, created in memory of Douglas J. Megargle to honor his legacy of promoting young fishery professionals.
• Student Units Program Chapter-sponsored student organizations at three Idaho universities (Palouse at University of Idaho, Portneuf at Idaho State University, and BYU-I at Brigham Young University-Idaho) that engage students in fisheries professional development.
• Free Resume Evaluation Service Anonymous resume review service for students and young professionals; resumes are reviewed by two experienced fisheries professionals and returned with feedback.

Quantifiable outcome

• Chapter received AFS Outstanding Chapter award in 2023
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Jetco Machine & Fabrications, LLCminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Sponsor of the 2025 annual meeting. Provided lunch for the Planes, Trains, and Automobiles workshop at Idaho Fish and Game Eagle Complex.
• Merck Animal HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of the Idaho Chapter's 2025 annual meeting and activities.
• Idaho Department of Fish and GamecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary state agency partner for fisheries management. Many IDFG staff serve as chapter officers and committee members. Host of meeting activities at IDFG facilities.
• Idaho PowerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting chapter activities and annual meetings.
• Lotek WirelessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology sponsor providing support for fisheries monitoring and tracking technologies.
• Northwest Power and Conservation CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner in power planning and fish/wildlife conservation in the Columbia River Basin.
• Trout UnlimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization partner collaborating on aquatic habitat projects and Trout-in-the-Classroom programs.
• HDR EngineeringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEngineering firm sponsor for the 2025 annual meeting.
• SWCA Environmental ConsultantsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnvironmental consulting firm sponsor for chapter activities.
• University of Idaho - Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting the Palouse Student Unit. Collaborates on scholarships and student professional development.
• Idaho State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting the Portneuf Student Unit. Collaborates on scholarships and student professional development.
• Brigham Young University-IdahocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting the BYU-I Student Unit. Collaborates on scholarships and student professional development.
• Nez Perce TribecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTribal partner in watershed restoration and ESA-listed fish recovery. Recipient of Wallace Award for watershed restoration work.
• Shoshone-Bannock TribesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTribal partner in fisheries management and conservation in Idaho.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner in fish and wildlife conservation. USFWS staff participate in chapter activities and collaborate on conservation efforts.
• Inter-FluveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestoration engineering firm sponsor for chapter activities.
• VodaIQminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology sponsor for fisheries data management solutions.
• Idaho Chapter of The Wildlife SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for joint annual conferences. Hosted 2017 and scheduled 2027 joint meetings.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission: Interstate compact organization coordinating regional fisheries science and management across the Pacific coast. Broadly comparable as a fisheries professional/scientific convener operating across multiple western states.
• American Sportfishing Association: National trade association representing the recreational fishing industry. Broadly comparable as a fisheries-focused membership organization with state-level engagement, industry partnerships, and advocacy programs.
• Izaak Walton League of America: Long-standing national conservation organization with state divisions focused on fisheries, aquatic habitat, and outdoor recreation. Broadly comparable as a membership-based nonprofit delivering conservation advocacy, education, and chapter-based programming.
• American Fisheries Society (Parent): National parent professional society that provides publications, governance umbrella, and branding to ICAFS. Broadly comparable as the umbrella organization running journals, conferences, and member services that the chapter extends regionally.

Direct peers

• Western Division of the American Fisheries Society: Regional division of AFS that has awarded the chapter 'Chapter of the Year' and coordinates multi-state fisheries programs. Comparable as an intermediate-tier professional society organizing joint meetings and member engagement across western U.S. states.
• Washington-British Columbia Chapter of AFS: Neighboring AFS chapter that ICAFS holds joint meetings with. Comparable as a peer regional AFS chapter delivering member services, scholarships, and annual meetings focused on Pacific Northwest fisheries.
• Trout Unlimited: National coldwater conservation nonprofit that is both a strategic partner and direct peer in mission, donor base, and trout/aquatic habitat work in Idaho. Directly comparable as a nonprofit delivering fisheries conservation programming, education, and habitat restoration.
• The Wildlife Society - Idaho Chapter: Sister state chapter of a parallel professional society (TWS) that the chapter has co-hosted joint annual meetings with in 2017 and 2027. Directly comparable as a regional professional society chapter delivering member services, awards, and continuing education.

Others

• Idaho Department of Fish and Game: Primary state agency partner whose staff populate chapter leadership. Comparable as a regional fisheries and aquatic-resource organization that the chapter complements via professional society and continuing-education functions.
• Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries Department: Tribal partner that operates major watershed and salmon recovery programs in Idaho. Comparable as an Idaho-based fisheries management organization closely engaged in native fish conservation and habitat restoration, with overlapping stakeholder network.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AmFisheriesSoc
• Facebookfacebook.com/AmericanFisheriesSociety

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Fisheries Society