National Association of University Fisheries and Wildlife Programs

ORIGIN, PURPOSE and FUNCTION

ORIGIN

The National Association of University Fisheries and Wildlife Programs (NAUFWP) was formed in 1991 from a previous group with similar membership, the Association of University Fisheries and Wildlife Program Administrators (AUFWPA). NAUFWP represents approximately 55 university programs and their 440 faculty members, scientists, and extension specialists and over 9,200 undergraduates and graduate students working to enhance the science and management of fisheries and wildlife resources.

PURPOSE

NAUFWP is a faculty developed and supported organization formed to:

• Increase public understanding of fisheries and wildlife management and conservation issues.
• Strengthen fisheries and wildlife education, research, extension, and international programs at the university level.
• Advance fisheries and wildlife science and management.

NAUFWP represents member institutions in their collective dealings with government entities, natural resources organizations, commodity and industry groups, educational and scientific organizations, and the public.

FUNCTION

• Provide information for the national budgetary and research planning process.
• Provide a forum for the exchange of information and for discussion or debate among members.
• Express the views of members on subjects or issues of national and regional concern.
• Facilitate collaboration among its members with federal agencies, natural resource organizations, commodity groups and industry, and foreign institutions and agencies.
• Promote and foster fisheries, wildlife, and other natural resource education, research, extension, and international programs.
• Provide for representation of its members in appropriate educational and scientific organizations and activities.