IRL 2012 Symposium

The Indian River Lagoon – Looking Forward
Thursday, February 9, 2012
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946

Click here to download the IRLS 2012 Draft Program

Overview

The Indian River Lagoon Symposium is the result of a multi-institutional, multi-agency effort that will provide a forum for current scientific research on the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and its management.  The symposium will be open to decision makers and the interested public so that the gaps between research and its applications can be narrowed.

The theme for the 2012 symposium “The Indian River Lagoon – Looking Forward” is restoration, although oral presentations and posters on all aspects of IRL research are encouraged. 

The symposium is open to anyone interested in sharing their research activities and ideas.  Contributions by university students and earlier-career professionals are especially encouraged.

Goals:

• Provide a forum for current knowledge, research, and monitoring in the IRL and its management
• Foster collaborations and discussions among scientists and decision makers
• Promote the participation of university students and new scientists, including avenues for interactions and mentoring with senior scientists
• Inform policy related to management of the IRL
• Increase public awareness of the IRL and its ecological and economic importance

Steering Committee

A Steering Committee composed of representatives from academic, governmental, and non-profit organizations was formed and held its first meeting in February 2011.  The group is defining the goals, basic outline, and structure for the symposium; identifying potential participants; and providing guidance, logistical support, and planning for the symposium. 

Steering Group members are:

• Jeff Beal - Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
• Bob Chamberlain - St. Johns River Water Management District
• Bob Day - formerly IRL National Estuarine Program
• Boyd Gunsalus - South Florida Water Management District
• Dennis Hanisak - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University
• Paul Millar - Martin County
• Valerie Paul - Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
• Mark Perry - Florida Oceanographic Society
• Chris Wilson - University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center
• John Windsor - Florida Institute of Technology

Potential Participants

The symposium is open to scientists and students from universities, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other individuals conducting research in the IRL or interested in doing so.  Students and early career scientists and managers are strongly encouraged to attend. 

Abstract Submission & Registration

Abstracts of oral presentations (both standard 15-minute slots and abbreviated presentations, “3 Minutes, Up to 3 Slides”) and posters are solicited. 

Abstract and early registration deadlines are December 15, 2011. Early registration for those not presenting will be accepted through January 31, 2012. After that date, late registrants can do so on the day of the meeting.

To register and submit abstracts, click here.

A draft program is available here.