American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists

The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) is an international organization devoted to the scientific studies of ichthyology (study of fish) and herpetology (study of reptiles and amphibians). The primary emphases of the Society are to increase knowledge about these organisms, to communicate that knowledge through publications, conferences, and other methods, and to encourage and support young scientists who will make future advances in these fields. The programs of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists are part of a global effort to interpret, understand, and conserve the Earth's natural diversity and to contribute to the wise use of natural resources for the long-term benefit of humankind.^[1]

History

On December 27, 1913, John Treadwell Nichols published the first issue of Copeia, a scientific journal dedicated to the knowledge of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Nichols named Copeia to commemorate Edward Drinker Cope, a prominent 19th century ichthyologist and herpetologist. The first edition of Copeia was four pages in length and comprised five articles.

In an effort to increase the publication of Copeia and communication among ichthyologists and herpetologists, Nichols met with Henry Weed Fowler and Dwight Franklin in New York City. Together, the three men founded the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists; however, this achievement is often given to Nichols exclusively.

By 1923, the Society accommodated approximately fifty members. Furthermore, the length of Copeia extended to 120 pages and an editorial staff established by the Society assumed responsibility for the mass publication and expansion of this quarterly journal. Presently, the Society contains more than 2,400 members, and Copeia features 1,200 pages of informative content and is found in over 1,000 institutional libraries.

Constitution

The present constitution of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists was composed within Norman, Oklahoma during the 2004 Society Annual Meeting. This conference extended from May 26 to May 31. A summation of the revised constitution is stated below:

Article I

Name- Article I states that the name of the Society shall be The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. Furthermore, the Society shall be incorporated within the District of Columbia.

Article II

Object- Article II establishes the objectives of the American Society. The primary emphasis is to advance the science of the study of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Secondary information states that the Society shall be operated as a nonprofit corporation.

Article III

Membership- Article III asserts that membership is applicable for those persons interested within the object of the Society. In addition, the nomination for membership shall be upon the recommendation of an existing constituent.

Article IV

Officers- Article IV states the Society Hierarchy. The officers of the Society shall include the following:

• President - The President shall assume the duties of this office for a one-year subsequent to a term as President-Elect.

• President-Elect - The President-Elect serves a one-year term and is alternatively occupied by an ichthyologist and herpetologist. This office shall be ineligible for another term until two years shall have elapsed from the end of a term as President.

• Additional offices include the Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor.

The Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting from among various members. Candidates are selected by the Nominating Committee. All nominations shall be accompanied by a brief statement of qualifications and a written statement supplying the consent of the nominee. The term of office shall commence on 1 January following the annual meeting at which the officers were elected. In the event of a tie, the decision is placed before the Executive Committee.

The death or incapacitation of the President during the term of office permits the President-Elect to become President. If the position of President-Elect becomes vacant, the person who received the second highest number of votes in the election will become President-Elect. A vacancy in either the Secretaryship or Treasurership may be occupied by an appointment made by the President.

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Past-President, prior Past-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Chair of the Long Range Planning and Policy Committee, and Chair of the Endowment and Finance Committee. Therefore, each President will serve a total of four years on the Executive Committee, as President-Elect, President, Past-President, and prior Past-President, respectively.

Article V

Board of Governors- The Board of Governors includes Past Presidents, members of the Executive Committee, Officers, and fifty members. This board is permitted to make administrative decisions for the benefit of the Society.

Article VI

Meeting of the Society- The Society shall hold annual meetings open to all members. These meetings are operated by various committees and are located in the vicinity established by the Board of Governors. A notice of the meeting is mailed to all members of the Society at least three months prior to the conference.

Article VII

Southeastern Division- Membership in the Southeastern Division is open to members in the following states:

Flag	State
	Alabama
	Arkansas
	Florida
	Georgia
	Kentucky
	Louisiana
	Mississippi
	North Carolina
	South Carolina
	Tennessee
	Virginia
	District of Columbia

Article VIII

Quorum- At an annual meeting, one hundred members shall constitute a quorum of the Society and thirty members compose the quorum of the Board of Governors.

Article IX

Amendments to the Constitution- Amendments to the Society Constitution may be proposed by a majority vote of the Executive Committee or a petition signed by twenty-five members. The proposal may be accepted if two-thirds of the Board of Governors approves and two-thirds of the members approve.

Bylaws

The bylaws of the Society supply further information established in the Constitution. These laws give detailed descriptions of Society protocol and operation.

Bureaucracy

The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists in 1932. M. Graham Netting, Secretary and future President, is in the center of the first row, the shorter man in a dark suit.

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Copeia. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2009.

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Copeia. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2009.

Affiliated Organizations

References

External links

• Official website
• American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Records, c. 1978-1983 from the Smithsonian Institution Archives