who we are
The Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
We are 400 fisheries and aquatic science professionals from federal, state, and tribal agencies, colleges and universities, and diverse private employers. We are also students, retired professionals, and generally people who really love water and the life that relies on it.
ORAFS Mission
The chapter was established in 1964 as an affiliate of the American Fisheries Society. Our mission is to improve the conservation and sustainability of Oregon fishery resources and their aquatic ecosystems for long-term public benefit by advancing science, education and public discourse concerning fisheries and aquatic science and by promoting the development of fisheries professionals.
How we achieve our mission
1
Develop Programs
that advance understanding of fishery science and responsible stewardship of fishery resources
2
Advocate Policies and Laws
that benefit the conservation and sustainability of Oregon fishery resources
3
Increase public awareness
and appreciation of fishery resources
4
Promote Development
of fishery and aquatic science professionals
5
Maintain membership
that is active and diverse
Current Leadership
Kelcee Smith
President
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Joe Lemanski
President-elect
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Cory Sipher
Past president
Bureau of Land Management
Gary Rule
Vice president
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Helena Linnell
Secretary
Coos Bay Bureau of Land Management
Stephanie Fields
Treasurer
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Sophia Kim
External Director
US Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest
Kelcey Anderson
Internal Director
Mount Hood Environmental
Adel Bordas
OSU Student Rep
Oregon State University
Bianca Wiens
MHCC Student Rep
Mount Hood Community College
Annual Meetings
Each spring we host an annual meeting with a prominent plenary speaker, themed conference sessions, an awards lunch, engaging workshops, networking events, poster sessions, and a banquet dinner with a live auction!
Prepare for the ORAFS/WDAFS
May 4-7, 2026 in Portland, OR
communications
Read our Newsletter: The piscatorial press
Each quarter we publish a newsletter with important updates, highlights, and messages from the president
Receive ORAFS News
Sign up to receive emails regarding events, job postings, grants, newsletters, and information about annual meetings. We do not share email addresses with other entities and you’ll only receive a message when we have a new announcement.