American Fisheries Society (AFS), in partnership with UK-based strategic content creator, Content With Purpose (CWP), has launched a wide-ranging digital film series, Tomorrow’s Catch: Securing our Future Fisheries. Over 50 short films have been produced examining the complex challenges facing fisheries across North America and internationally—whilst also celebrating the innovative solutions being developed to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.
A preview of the series was screened at AFS’s recent 155th Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, earlier this month, with the full series launching on August 26, 2025, via this link: contentwithpurpose.co.uk/afs/tomorrowscatch.
With unprecedented climate pressures and mounting environmental threats—from plastic pollution and oil spills to invasive species and hydroelectric development—the future of aquatic ecosystems has never been more uncertain. Tomorrow’s Catch explores watershed restoration, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, the role of tribal hatcheries, next-generation talent, and policy advocacy. It has been informed first-hand by wide range of coastal and inland communities, fisheries, scientists, Indigenous leaders and industry experts, who are all working to achieve environmental conservation, food security, and cultural heritage.
Jeff Kopaska, Executive Director of AFS, said: “This digital series powerfully reflects AFS’s mission to support the science, policy, and community engagement needed to address the complex challenges and solutions to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems. I am hopeful that Tomorrow’s Catch will help drive awareness and the urgency for collaborative action right now.”
Fisheries are more than fish; it is about clean water, resilient ecosystems, food security, and cultural connection. Through a combination of future-focused content, including short films and expert interviews, Tomorrow’s Catch spotlights inspiring people and organizations throughout the United States, Canada and internationally who are playing a transformative role in preserving marine and freshwater ecosystems for future generations.
From restoring salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest to examining the impact of microplastics on freshwater lakes in Ontario, Tomorrow’s Catch brings together an enormous range of leading fisheries experts and organizations to cinematically highlight the current technologies, partnerships, and policy solutions that are reshaping the future of fisheries management.
Series partners are:
Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries, Alaska Blue Economy Center, BK – Riverfish, Chestnut Carbon, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), Conservation Resource Alliance, Trinity Consultants Canada, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Henry’s Fork Foundation, IISD Experimental Lakes Area, Kvarøy Arctic, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, San Antonio River Authority, Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA), Sumas First Nation, Susquehanna University – Freshwater Research Institute, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Woodwell Climate Research Center, Yuba Water Agency.
The series also features contributions from leading speakers in the fisheries world…
- Dr. Marlis Douglas, Professor, University of Arkansas; Second Vice President, American Fisheries Society
- Jeff Kopaska, Executive Director, American Fisheries Society
- Gary Whelan, President-Elect, American Fisheries Society
- Christina Parker, President, California-Nevada Chapter, AFS
- MeiLin Precourt, Natural Resources & Environmental Management Student, University of Hawai’i
- Joe Snapp, Biology Specialist, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, Idaho
- Julie Claussen, Fisheries Research Biologist and Science Communicator
- Dr. Katie O’Reilly, Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant & Illinois Natural History Survey
- Jay Hesse, Director of Biological Services, Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries Department
- Dr. David Shiffman, Marine Conservation Biologist and Author
Tomorrow’s Catch also features inspiring case study films looking at the incredible work to restore the Klamath River, the efforts to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp, the therapeutic benefits of fly-fishing for breast cancer survivors, and the work of tribal hatcheries.
Max Smith, Founder and Managing Director at Content With Purpose, said, “This series has been an incredible undertaking in story telling from across North America and around the world. From Alaska and the Yukon to Texas and the arctic fisheries of Norway, it’s been a pleasure to help champion the work of inspiring people and organizations dedicated to advancing a more sustainable future for fisheries, aquatic ecosystems and the communities reliant on them.”
Whether you’re a researcher, resource manager, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this is your invitation to dive into the science and stories driving a more sustainable future for our planet’s waters – and the communities that depend on them. The series is available to watch now at contentwithpurpose.co.uk/afs/tomorrowscatch.
ENDS
About AFS
Founded in 1870, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest fisheries science society. The mission of AFS is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. With five journals and numerous books and conferences, AFS is the leading source of fisheries science and management information in North America and around the world.
About CWP
Content With Purpose (CWP) is a strategic content creator that partners with leading member bodies and associations to highlight their industries’ contributions to sustainable development. Through compelling storytelling, CWP produces and promotes impactful digital series – featuring short documentaries, interviews, articles, and more – designed to raise awareness, drive change, and promote innovation across key sectors.
The organization’s mission is to communicate hope, opportunity, and solutions – connecting people with ideas that inspire action and collaboration.
As a proud B Corp Certified company, CWP is committed to using business as a force for good.
