State To Host Fisheries Conference

It’s never too early to start planning when you’re hosting a shindig for 2,000 guests.

That’s how many fisheries professionals from around the world are expected to be in Little Rock Sept. 8-12 for the 143rd annual conference of the American Fisheries Society.

The event is held in a different city each year. This will be Little Rock’s first turn to host. The conference was held at Hot Springs in 1970, said Darrell Bowman, conference chairman. Bowman is lakes ecologist and fisheries manager for the Bella Vista Property Owner’s Association.

Those attending are fisheries biologists, college professors, researchers, anyone who works in the fisheries field.

“It’s several days of technical sessions, workshops, business and committee meetings and social events,” Bowman said.

He expects 1 , 500 to 2,000 fisheries professionals will attend from around the United States and other nations, including Japan, United Kingdom and Australia.

The American Fisheries Society has about 4,000 members worldwide, Bowman said.

The Statehouse Convention Center is conference headquarters.

Tours are scheduled that give attendees a chance to see some of Arkansas. Hikes and float trips are available. Shooting events are planned at the Remington ammunition plant shooting range near Little Rock

Bowman and fisheries professionals in the Little Rock area are planning the conference, Bowman said.

Outdoor, Pages 7 on 02/14/2013

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