E-Newsletter June 2012
15 Aug, 2012

FROM THE EDITOR

It is heartening to know from the 42nd meeting of the Society’s Executive Council held in Yeosu, South Korea, the progress Society has made in recent years in terms of increased membership; better financial status; improved journal publication with shorter turn around in publication of papers submitted; increased visibility in activities of the Branches and the Fish Health Section, etc. I am sure with cooperation of all members; the Society will reach newer heights in the coming years.

Gender in Fisheries and Aquaculture is one of the areas where AFS is taking the lead. As you could see from the contribution in this issue by Meryl Williams and M.C Nandeesha, the lead role AFS has been playing over the years in bringing to national, regional and global attention the contribution of women to the sector and the scant importance their problems receive. For e.g., FAO indicates that in agriculture sector, if women have same access to production resources as men, they could increase yield by 20-30%, that in turn can reduce hungry people worldwide by up to 150 million. AFS has been in the forefront in promoting the gender dimension in fisheries and aquaculture through a number of conferences held since 1990. The special issue of Asian Fisheries Science journal published this year confirms the importance the Society gives to gender issues.

This year, the Indian Branch will be celebrating its Silver Jubilee with an ambitious program of: organising a global symposium which will discuss the role aquatic resources can play in eradicating poverty and hunger and contribute to better human health and nutrition; initiating debates and action for revitalising Indian fisheries education; a dedicated website for the Branch; offering financial assistance to students attending conferences, etc.

This issue of newsletter also brings to attention the need for increased linkages between academia and the industry for the benefit of both, with some news from India. This is an area where AFS could take lead in bringing collaboration among the academic institutions and the industry that could lead to turning students in to entrepreneurs rather than job seekers and develop innovative spirit among them, as has been happening in other sectors, especially in engineering and communication technologies. Branches of AFS could collaborate with each other in this endeavour.

I once again invite all the members to share information on their work and issues through the newsletter.

	AFS Newsletter Issue No. 14 June 2012