Continuing Education Courses Available
Attention: Registering for MIAFS Continuing Education workshops now require payment at time of registration. Follow the appropriate link on the second page of the registration form. Courses now have a cancellation timeline for refunds. Timelines are included in the workshop announcement.
Introduction to Fisheries Survey Gear Repair Workshop
Course Description
This half-day workshop is designed for students and young professionals who are looking to acquire practical skills in maintaining and repairing fisheries field sampling gear. Workshop participants will gain hands-on experience and learn techniques for 1) repairing fisheries field gear including gill nets, trawls, fyke and trap nets, (2) tying essential knots used in both gear repair and standard fisheries field surveys, and (3) best practices for care and storage to prevent damage and maximize gear lifespan. A general summary of how these gears are built and used will be presented.
Where – Riverfront Conference Center, Flint MI
When – Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 from 1 pm to 4:30 pm.
Cost – Free for students and MIAFS members, $25 for non-MIAFS members. Invoices will be sent to non-MIAFS members near the workshop date.
What to Bring – Nothing is required.
Lodging – Lodging arrangements are not included with workshop registration. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn and UM Flint student suite housing is available for the Joint AFS-TWS meeting. Lodging information can be found on the 2026 AFS/TWS Joint Annual Meeting website.
Registration – To register for this workshop please fill out this Google form. To become a MIAFS member for $10, complete the form on the MIAFS Membership web page.
If you encounter problems with the link or have questions, contact Stacey Ireland at irelands3@michigan.gov or miafs.continuingeducation@outlook.com. Please include your name, affiliation/organization, and MIAFS membership status (member/non-member/student). Invoice for this course must be paid at time of registration. Class size is limited to 30 participants. Please register by February 4th.
Student Award and Travel Grant
Note: We are trying a new process for students with updated invoicing. If you are a student who will be submitting for free registration and/or the travel grant, please email your application to irelands3@michigan.gov or miafs.continuingeducation@outlook.com before you register. If selected, you will be provided a promo code for free registration. Your seat will be held until grant is awarded. Please register for the Fisheries Survey Gear Repair Workshop and then submit an application for the travel grant as all seats will be free to students.
Description: Awarded applicant will receive an additional travel grant of up to $150 for reimbursement for travel expenses, given upon completion of the workshop. Award amount is subject to number of applicants.
Purpose: To financially assist students who are interested in attending the Introduction to Fisheries Survey Gear Repair Workshop.
Eligibility criteria: The recipient of this award must be currently enrolled in a degree program at a college or university.
Documentation required: An application letter from the student nominee that includes: student’s name, address, telephone number, educational institution, department, degree level, reasons for attending the workshop, and reasons for financial need if necessary.
Selection criteria: The committee will evaluate the applicants based on the following criteria: 1) AFS involvement, 2) Reasons for attending the workshop, 3) Financial need.
Deadline: Applications must be received by the Continuing Education Committee (Stacey Ireland, IrelandS3@michigan.gov) January 21, 2026.
Applications will be forwarded to the Student Concerns Committee for review. Selections will be forwarded to the Chapter president, Continuing Education Committee, and the Secretary-Treasurer for notification. The secretary-treasurer will provide award directly to the selected recipients after successful completion of the workshop.
Introduction to Aquatic Plant Identification
The Introduction to Aquatic Plant Identification workshop was cancelled due to low registration numbers. We are looking to provide an alternative date for this training in the future.
Webinar Series
MIAFS February Webinar: Do’s and Don’ts of Conference Attendance with Speaker April Morey
Nervous about your first conference? Join Michigan AFS in February 2026 for a webinar discussing conference etiquette and what you can expect at the upcoming annual meeting with MI AFS president-elect, April Morey. As an early career professional, she can still vividly remember the nerves of attending a conference for the first time. She will be sharing the widely accepted do’s and don’ts of conference attendance (including attire – a frequently asked question). As a member of the 2026 annual meeting planning committee, April will also give an insider peek on what you can expect from the upcoming meeting as well as things to check out while in Flint, Michigan.
When: February 13th, 2026 at 1 pm
Speaker: April Morey, Southern Lake Huron Management Unit Fisheries Management Biologist
Join using the link below
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 294 152 361 235 03
Passcode: E67Nw2UP
Want a say or more information about what is happening with CE? Fill out this google form or email Stacey Ireland or Dan Traynor. We are always looking for ideas from our membership!
Missed a past webinar? Check out the Archive!