Indian River Lagoon Symposium
The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Symposium 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 2021 symposium was IRL Research during the Pandemic. Technical sessions consisting of oral and poster presentations was held virtually on February 18 (12:30 to 5:00 p.m.) and 19 (8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). Note that this was a departure from our usual format when all technical sessions were completed in one day; we broke the day into two halves to reduce “screen fatigue”. Note also, after a couple of hours of break on the second day, we reconvened for some fun and games (literally); we had an IRL Trivia event, followed by the student awards, starting at 3:30 p.m. We highlighted the achievements of our students; this year, since no one had to drive home after a long day.
Steering Committee: 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 2020 Steering Committee members are:
- Irene Arpayoglou - FDEP/Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves
- Vincent Encomio - Florida Sea Grant & UF/IFAS Extension
- Dennis Hanisak - Florida Atlantic University
- Kelli Hunsucker - Florida Institute of Technology
- Phyllis Klarmann - South Florida Water Management District
- Chuck Jacoby - St. Johns River Water Management District
- Holly Sweat - Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
- Linda Walters - University of Central Florida
IRLS 2021 IRL Research during the Pandemic
The final program is available here.
The Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
Indian River Lagoon Symposium 2021 Posters can be viewed here.
IRLS 2020 Reassessing IRL Biodiversity Materials
The program is available here.
The Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
Information on programming for the public is available here.
IRLS 2019 Indian River Lagoon: Quo Vadis? Materials
The program is available here.
The Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
The program for this year's public outreach is available here.
IRLS 2018 Restoration of the Indian River Lagoon Materials
The program is available here.
The Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
The program for this year's public outreach is available here.
IRLS 2017 An Estuary in Peril Materials
The program is available here.
The Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
The program for this year's public outreach is available here.
IRLS 2016 Linking Research with Management Materials
The program is available here.
The Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
The program for this year's public outreach is available here.
IRLS 2015 Lessons, Challenges, and Opportunities Materials
A program is available here.
The Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
The program for the public forum Engaging the Public: Citizen Science is available here.
IRLS 2014 Lagoon Biodiversity Materials
A program is available here.
Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
The program for the public forum A Forum with the Indian River Lagoon Counties Collaborative is available here.
IRLS 2013 Health of the Lagoon Materials
A program is available here.
Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
The program for the public forum A Forum on Lagoon Health is available here.
IRLS 2012 Looking Forward Materials
A program is available here.
Abstracts of Presentations are available here.
For more information please contact Dr. Dennis Hanisak
Indian River Lagoon Symposium 2021
February 18th & 19th
"IRL Research during the Pandemic"