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

The public is 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 is 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 will be posted by December 31, 2017.

Venue: Harbor Branch (for directions, see http://fau.edu/hboi/about/location.php) 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 are solicited. The Call for presentations with all details is available here.

Technical Sessions (February 8, 2018): Registration to attend the technical session is required at: https://fauf.fau.edu/irls2018. Additional information on registration and abstract submittal is available at http://indianriverlagoon.org/symposium.html. Abstract and early registration deadlines are November 29, 2017. Early registration closes January 21, 2018, and late registration closes February 2, 2018 at 5 p.m., unless availability ends sooner.

Public Forum (February 9, 2018): The public forum is free and open to the public. Registration is required at https://fauf.fau.edu/irls2018. Registration for the forum closes February 3, 2018 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 2017 Steering Committee members are: