WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2025 7 U.S. Aquaculture Society CHAPTER REPORTS The USAS Board approved their petition for formation in October. A reminder to our active student subunits that annual reports for 2025 are due on January 9, 2026. Our Awards Committee is currently reviewing submitted abstracts and applications for student travel awards for Aquaculture America as well as nominations for our 2026 professional awards, which had deadlines of December 1. Professional award categories include Distinguished Lifetime Achievement, Distinguished Service, Distinguished Early Career, and the Douglas Drennan II Industry Leadership Award. The USAS Elections Committee has prepared the ballot for the incoming Board of Directors roles to be filled for 2026. This year, we received nominations for a talented and diverse pool of aquaculture leaders. If you’re a member of USAS, keep your eyes peeled for an email from WAS Communications and vote for our new President Elect, Vice President, and two Members at Large. New Board members will be inducted at the USAS Annual Business Meeting which kicks off Aquaculture America. I look forward to seeing you there! — Michelle L. “Mick” Walsh, President And just like that, we reach the end of 2025. We round out the year with just over 1070 United States Aquaculture Society (USAS) members of which 420 are students! Before you know it, Aquaculture America (February 16-19, 2026 at Paris Las Vegas Hotel in Nevada, USA) will be upon us. Great rates (less than $200 per night) have been arranged at the Paris and Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s) hotels. Early Bird registration deadline is January 24, 2026. Remember to check the box during the registration process indicating that you are a member of “US Aquaculture Society, WAS” so that meeting proceeds will be distributed appropriately (more revenue means more funds available for member and student support, services, and recognition!). Speaking of students, student events and activities planned for Aquaculture America 2026 include the mentor-mentee breakfast, student field trip, student organized and moderated panel, room lottery, and student reception. For USAS student subunits specifically, we are planning a social with the USAS Board, a student night out, and an oral presentation and poster showcase. A special shout-out to our newest USAS student subunit, Mississippi State University! WAS Receives Global Technical Recognition from FAO for its Role and Leadership on Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems On October 15, 2025, the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) was honored with a prestigious award from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its significant role in sustainable aquatic food systems. The award was presented by FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu during a ceremony held at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This event marked FAO’s first-ever Global Technical Recognition Ceremony, which took place as part of the organization’s 80th anniversary celebrations and the World Food Forum 2025. This award underscores the importance of the WAS as a pivotal vehicle and instrument for the development of sustainable aquaculture globally, and reaffirms WAS’s role as a global leader in fostering enhanced international communications, collaborations, education, and information exchange. The award was accepted by Mr. Blessing Mapfumo, Executive Officer of the World Aquaculture Society African Chapter, on behalf of Dr. Antonio Garza D Yta, the WAS-FAO Global Liaison. WAS was among over 40 recipients of special recognition by the FAO at the recent Global Technical Recognition Ceremony.
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