Symposium

Indian River Lagoon Symposium

Overview

The Indian River Lagoon Symposium (IRLS) is the result of a multi-institutional, multi-agency effort to provide a forum for discussing Indian River Lagoon science and its application to management of the lagoon. The symposium is open to scientists, decision makers, students, education and outreach professionals, and the interested public. The intent is to facilitate better communication among these groups so that the gaps between research and its application can be narrowed.

The goals of the symposium are to:

Provide a forum to disseminate current knowledge of the IRL and its management

Foster collaborations and discussions among scientists, students, education and outreach professionals, and decision makers

Promote participation of university students and new scientists.

Provide results and discussions that can be used to inform policy related to management of the IRL

Increase public awareness of the IRL and its ecological and economic importance

The theme for the 2018 symposium was Restoration of the Indian River Lagoon. Oral presentations and posters on all aspects of science relating to the IRL were invited. Although This meeting was open to anyone interested in sharing their knowledge, activities and ideas, with contributions by university students and early-career professionals are particularly encouraged. Technical sessions consisting of oral presentations were held on February 8, followed by a poster session (5:30 to 7:00 p.m.).

The public was invited to attend a public forum on Friday, February 9. The initial Forum on Lagoon Health in 2013 revealed a strong consensus that local communities need to come together and apply scientific approaches to address Lagoon issues. The forum in 2018 was focused on Engaging the Public: Restoration of the Indian River Lagoon – how the public can learn more about and participate in restoration of the Lagoon.

Details for the 2019 Indian River Lagoon Symposium will be posted late fall 2018.

Venue: The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (For directions, see http://fau.edu/hboi/about/location.php) The Institute is located along the Indian River Lagoon in Fort Pierce, Florida, centrally located between the cities of Fort Pierce and Vero Beach.

Abstract Submission & Registration:

Abstracts of oral presentations (both standard 15-minute slots and abbreviated presentations, “3 Minutes – 3 Slides”) and posters will be solicited. The Call for presentations with all details is available here.

Technical Sessions (February 8, 2018): Registration to attend the technical session will be required. Alink to register will be posted in late fall. Additional information on registration and abstract submittal will be available at http://indianriverlagoon.org/symposium.html. Abstract and early registration deadlines will be late November 2018. Early registration will close in January 2019, and late registration closes February 1, 2019 at 5 p.m., unless availability ends sooner.

Public Forum (February 8, 2019): As always, the public forum will be free and open to the public. Registration will be required. A link to register will be posted in late fall. Registration for the forum will close February 1, 2019 at 5 p.m.

A Steering Committee with representatives from academic, governmental, and non-profit organizations defines the goals, basic outline, and structure for the symposium; identifies potential participants; and provides guidance, logistical support, and planning for the symposium. The Steering Committee is instrumental in making the symposium a truly collaborative effort within the diverse IRL research community. The 2018 Steering Committee members were: