World Aquaculture December 2018

WWW.WA S.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2018 39 ( C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 4 0 ) The World Aquaculture 2009 conference had been carefully planned for May 25–29 at the world trade Center in Veracruz, Mexico. Despite the global economic slowdown of the time, it was poised to be a success, but then came the bird flu scare and many countries and organizations discouraged people from traveling to Mexico. We were forced to reschedule the conference for September 25-29. Imagine the confusion and reorganization effort needed to do this last-minute. Luckily bird flu ended being much ado about nothing and the rescheduled convention was still a success. Jeff Hinshaw, 2009-2010 For better or worse, my role as president was brief because we had to postpone the annual conference in Veracruz due to an outbreak of bird flu. Following this inauspicious start, I had occasion to co-author a letter to Vladimir Putin to ask him for a decision on our plans to hold a conference in Russia —we didn’t get a reply. Based on the groundwork laid by previous presidents and boards, we inducted our first group of WAS Fellows. I continue to look forward to greeting friends at WAS conferences in the future, even though I am able to see most of them only once a year or so. G. Jay Parsons, 2010-2011 I was privileged to serve on the WAS Board and as President for over 12 years, from 2000-2012. I continue to be engaged in the Society by serving on various program and or steering committees for annual meetings. One big driver over my term was to strive for solid and stable financial footing for the Society. While others before me shared this perspective, I was particularly proud that we were able to secure greater than one million dollars in investments and cash, which represented over two years of financial operating resources for the Society and represented a solid level of stability to give the organization flexibility in years of potential economic vagaries. We faced several challenges in having to secure meeting venues at the last minute as primary locations fell through for various reasons and challenges. This occurred for at least three venues, but in all cases the professional actions of WAS staff, board and members resulted in options that allowed for us having a very success annual meeting without too much disruption, including a very successful second annual meeting in Brazil (Natal) during my term as President. I experienced great comradery working with board members and WAS staff that continues to today. I was and am truly impressed by the dedication and passion of people serving the Society and especially the support and friendliness of WAS staff over the many years they have served. Although it takes effort and dedication to effectively serve a Society such as the WAS, there are also many memories of fun times at the annual conferences, board meetings and planning meetings. It has been a privilege and joy to be able to travel to so many parts of the world to see aquaculture firsthand, and to recognize how impactful the science we collectively undertake has on many lives, communities and economies. We should never underestimate the importance of nor forget the raison d’etre of our Society in helping to foster and communicate our collective science. There is truly no greater calling that serving your broader community, in whatever capacity inspires you. I challenge you to reach out and serve your community, including our global aquaculture one! RicardoMartino, 2011-2012 I became a WAS member in 1990. A few years after I finished my tenure as President of the Latin America and Caribbean Chapter, I was elected President of WAS. My term as the first Brazilian president began during the conference held in Natal, Brazil. It was a such privilege to start my presidency in my home country, at a conference with over 4,300 participants from 65 countries. During my presidency, WAS affirmed strong support to the chapters and to student participation in the Society. John Hargreaves was approved as the new editor-in-chief of the magazine, replacing Bob Stickney. We also approved the contract for Mario Stael to become the new Director of Conferences. I also signed the contract for realization of the World Aquaculture 2015 conference in Jeju, South Korea. My term as WAS President finished in the beautiful city of Prague, during the joint conference with the European Aquaculture Society. The quality of the papers presented in the oral and poster sessions at the conference was very high. I have the sensation that the 14 months of my presidency passed very quickly. It was a lot of hard work but also a very enjoyable time. I take this opportunity to thank everyone that helped me during my presidency. Kevan Main, 2012-2013 As I reflect on my time as President, I think about what WAS has meant to me personally and to aquaculture professionals around the world. I joined WAS in 1986, soon after accepting my first professional job in aquaculture. My early experience with WAS involved attending and presenting my research at the annual WAS WAS Past-Presidents at Aquaculture 2010 in San Diego, CA. From left to right, Robert Stickney, James H. Tidwell, Kevin Fitzsimmons, Louis R. D’Abramo, Jeff Hinshaw, Fred S. Conte, Craig Browdy, Joseph Tomasso, George W. Chamberlain, Michael B. New, Sungchul Charles Bai, Michael Masser, LeRoy Creswell and Lorenzo Juarez.