The German Ichthyological Society introduces itself:
What does the GfI want?
The GfI wants to promote scientific research into fish! What does that mean? As a zoological society specialising in fish, we want to contribute to and encourage expert research into fish biology.
- So what are the habitat requirements of fish?
- Where do they occur, and are their populations endangered?
- What is their behaviour like?
- What is the state of biological diversity?
I can only protect what I know! Overall, however, we still know far too little, both about native fish and about the fish fauna of other countries. Public perception often ends at the water’s surface. Fish are often seen merely as objects of fishing. Yet they are an essential part of biological diversity (about half of all vertebrate species!), they play a key role in aquatic ecosystems and, last but not least, they can make a sustainable contribution to feeding the human population.
And science does not only mean work at universities and research institutions! Voluntary work with fish also plays a very important role, especially in aquatics, work in environmental and nature conservation associations (citizen science) and, of course, in practice with fish farmers or water managers.
In modern parlance, the goals or working methods of the GfI could also be described as a science-policy interface
promoted and a German-language forum for information, communication and publication offered to all scientists and those interested in ichthyology. This is to be achieved, among other things, by
- promoting research into the biology of fish under natural and artificial living conditions,
- supporting ichthyological teaching at all levels of education,
- cooperating at national and international level with institutions, groups and interested individuals,
- promoting the consideration of ecological criteria in the use of fish stocks,
- supporting the publication of scientific articles,
- promoting communication between people involved with fish,
- organising specialist conferences,
- publishing a regular journal, and
- promoting measures to preserve biodiversity and protect the natural habitats of fish, in particular supporting projects for species and biotope protection.
Wer sind die Mitglieder der GfI?
This is easy to answer, because these are people who are interested in fish in the broadest sense beyond the usual extent. The spectrum ranges from aquarists who are interested in fish beyond the normal scope to professors who deal exclusively with ichthyology.
The research interests of the members range from native fish to fish in almost every corner of the world, covering freshwater, saltwater and brackish water, while at the same time almost every area of ichthyology is covered by the activities of GfI members.
Who runs the GfI?
The Executive Committee is responsible within the meaning of the German Civil Code (BGB): President Dr Fabian Herder, Bonn; Honorary Secretary Prof. Dr Heiko Brunken, Bremen; Honorary Treasurer Dr Isabelle Gebhardt, Sankt Augustin.
Other important discussions, decisions and resolutions are made by the Extended Executive Committee. This includes the heads of sections such as the press office, digital media, editorial office, organisation, fish species atlas, project and youth support. Additional departments can be set up as needed.
We welcome active participation!
Who can become a member of the GfI?
Anyone who is interested in fish and thus in ichthyology (= the study of fish) in the broadest sense and who would like to support the statutory objectives of the GfI. In addition to active participation in the society, it is of course also the membership fees we receive that help us to carry out the activities of the GfI. The organisation of low-cost conferences, which should also be affordable for students and active hobbyists and volunteers, the publication of the journal and the support of projects to promote fish species and water protection would not be possible without the financial support provided by membership fees. Thank you for your support!
Incidentally, we distinguish between personal members, who pay the normal membership fee (students pay half), and supporting members (usually legal entities such as institutions), who pay a special supporting membership fee.
How much is the membership fee for the GfI?
The standard membership fee is €40 per year.
For students, the fee is €20 per year. To receive the reduced fee, proof of enrolment for the current semester/school year must be submitted to the treasurer at the end of the year without being requested. Membership fees are due at the beginning of the current year.
Bank details of the GfI
Gesellschaft für Ichthyologie e.V.
Deutsche Skatbank
IBAN DE28 8306 5408 0004 1996 42
BIC GENODEF1SLR
What publication opportunities does the GfI offer?
- The Bulletin of Fish Biology is the official publication of the GfI. It contains in particular:
- scientific papers
- faunistic reports
- technical reports
- current reviews of specialist books
The journal is included in the GfI membership fee.
All publications
- peer reviewed
- Open Access
- available online immediately upon completion
- with a DOI
- at no additional cost