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 2019 symposium was Indian River Lagoon: Quo Vadis? “Quo Vadis?” literally means: “Where are you going?". With all of the changes we have seen in the Lagoon over recent years, we addressed questions like: Are we making any progress? Have we reached a tipping point? 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, contributions by university students and early-career professionals were encouraged. Technical sessions consisting of oral presentations was held on February 7, followed by a poster session (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.).

The public was invited to attend a public forum on Friday, February 8. 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 2019 was focused on Engaging the Public: What Are the Counties Doing? – how the public can learn more about and participate in what the five counties along the Lagoon are doing to address environmental issues and restoration in the Indian River Lagoon.

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 7, 2019): Registration to attend the technical session is required at: https://fauf.fau.edu/irls2019. Additional information on registration and abstract submittal is available at http://indianriverlagoon.org/symposium.html. Abstract and early registration deadlines are November 30, 2018. Early registration closes January 20, 2019, and late registration closes February 1, 2019 at 5 p.m., unless availability ends sooner.

Public Forum (February 8, 2019): The public forum is free and open to the public. Registration is required at https://fauf.fau.edu/irls2019. Registration for the forum closes February 2, 2019 at 5 p.m., which is quite likely based on previous years.

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 2019 Steering Committee members are: