Two weeks ago, San Antonio became the center of the fisheries world as the American Fisheries Society (AFS) held its 155th annual meeting downtown. More than 1,100 fisheries professionals gathered to share ideas, build partnerships, and celebrate advances in aquatic science. The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) aquatic biologists were at the heart of it all, leading events, presenting research, and showcasing projects that are shaping the future of our rivers.
The AFS 2025 conference Logo was co-designed by aquatic biologist Adrian Reyna and Jennifer Pecina, Digital Content Coordinator.
The conference opened on Sunday with a Giant Apple Snail removal workshop, led by aquatic biologist Adrian Reyna and supported by the River Authority’s River Warrior volunteers and Public Affairs team. Volunteers were trained in removal techniques and split into two teams, walkers and kayakers, to tackle the removal of the invasive species. Along the way, they enjoyed a unique opportunity to explore the Downtown and Museum Reaches of the San Antonio River Walk. Over the course of three hours, participants removed 342 snails and 619 egg clutches.
Meanwhile, aquatic biologist Caille Marshall facilitated a continuing education course assessing crossings, and the AFS Governing Board received a VIP tour of the Mission Reach, which offered a firsthand look at some of the River Authority’s signature initiatives.
On Monday, Shaun Donovan, manager of the River Authority’s Environmental Sciences Department, helped organize the opening plenary session where attendees were welcomed to San Antonio and exposed to the incredible freshwater and coastal fisheries work going on in Texas. Later that day, aquatic biologist Austin Davis delivered an exciting presentation on the Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction Project, highlighting several recent project milestones. That evening, the exposition hall came alive with poster presentations from Adrian Reyna, Garrett Tucker, and Sara Thompson, who showcased various River Authority research and efforts including the River Authority’s efforts to combat Giant Apple Snails, progress updates from the Mission Reach Intensive Nekton Survey, and a framework for implementing monitoring in urban ecological restoration projects like the West Side Creeks.
Tuesday brought a full slate of presentations from River Authority staff. Caille Marshall shared updates on the upcoming Otilla Dam modification and the framework for pre- and post-restoration nekton and habitat assessments. Sara Thompson discussed the Bexar and Kerr County floods and strategies for communication before, during, and after these events. Mitch Magruder contributed to the Black Bass Symposium, presenting on the successful reintroduction of Guadalupe bass into the San Antonio River Basin, while Shaun Donovan delivered remarks after the screening of a short film about the River Authority’s Aquatic Biology team and the vital work they carry out in the basin.
On Wednesday, Sara Thompson and several external volunteers coordinated a silent auction that closed successfully with more than $4,300 raised and over 100 items sold. Later that evening, the Grand Social at Pinkerton’s Barbecue brought attendees together at Legacy Park. Shaun Donovan and Adrian Reyna worked behind the scenes during the day to prepare the grounds, closing an adjacent street to create plenty of space for participants to relax and enjoy a beautiful evening on the lawn. With drink tickets in hand, attendees gathered on the grass, sharing laughter and conversation.
As the week wrapped up, River Authority staff reflected not only on the success of the conference but also on the momentum it created. With new partnerships formed, knowledge shared, and our work highlighted on a national stage, we’re energized to keep advancing watershed science and restoration across the San Antonio River Basin.
