North American Native Fishes Association

Description

The North American Native Fishes Association is a non-profit dedicated to the appreciation, study and conservation of North America’s native fishes. It was founded in 1972 and brings together aquarium hobbyists, biologists, fish and wildlife officials, anglers, educators and students who share an interest in native fish.

The association spreads knowledge about native fishes and their habitats through publications, electronic media and regional and national meetings. It publishes the quarterly American Currents magazine covering collecting, keeping, observing, conserving and breeding native fishes. It promotes the conservation of native fishes and the protection and restoration of their natural habitats.

It advances the captive husbandry of native fishes for educational, scientific and conservation purposes, including providing life history information on species before they become endangered and supplying aquarium reared specimens for restocking efforts. It funds a conservation research grant for studying endangered fishes and an education grant for public outreach programs. It also encourages legal and environmentally responsible collection of native fishes for private aquaria.

The association organizes an annual convention with lectures, collecting trips and visits to natural history museums and public aquaria, along with regional meetings and excursions. Members follow a code of ethics covering responsible collecting, habitat protection and humane care of fish. It operates across North America.