About the Gilbert Ichthyological Society

The Gilbert Fisheries Society, a short-lived organization founded in 1931 at the then Department of Fisheries, University of Washington (Copeia 1931:71), and named for celebrated ichthyologist Charles Henry Gilbert (1859-1928), has been reconstituted and renamed "The Gilbert Ichthyological Society." The primary purpose of the Society is to foster communication in the Pacific Northwest concerning all things ichthyological. The first annual meeting of the Society, held October 7, 1989 on the campus of the University of Washington, was attended by 24 people from throughout the states of Washington and Oregon. J. Richard Dunn was elected the first president; Douglas F. Markle, vice-president and president elect; and Phillip M. Harris secretary. Papers were presented by fifteen fellows of the Society. Evening festivities were highlighted by a Presidential Address given by Gilbert Scholar J. Richard Dunn.

Since the first meeting in 1989, membership in the Society has grown to over 167 fellows (see "The List"), and an annual meeting has been held each year, alternating between locations in Washington and Oregon. The 1998 annual meeting was held September 18-20 at the Friday Harbor Laboratories of the University of Washington.

In addition to the annual meeting of the full Gilbert Ichthyological Society, the Washington Chapter of the Society holds local meetings in the Fish Collection, University of Washington, at approximately monthly intervals during the academic year. We normally serve refreshments and enjoy a presentation by a guest speaker. All interested parties are welcome to attend! Other special events (e.g. collecting trips) are sponsored on an irregular basis. Be sure to check for announcements of upcoming GIS meetings and events.