IMCC Symposia Lineup

This page contains a list of all symposia and panels currently on the schedule (i.e., at least one lead has registered, and there appears to be enough abstracts to run the event). In addition to the names, it includes a brief summary and the name of the symposium lead.  It is sorted by closed symposia (no one else should apply to join without being invited by the lead) and open symposia (people may still apply to join).

Please note that this does NOT yet include how many talks are in each symposium, because that has not yet been decided. Some of these will have multiple sessions. Some may end up not happening because people’s abstracts were not accepted or accepted presenters did not register. 

 

CLOSED SYMPOSIA

OECMs: Opportunities for expanding marine protection in South Africa
ORGANIZER:  Kendyl Wright

The OECM concept presents South Africa with the opportunity to change the narrative around marine conservation in the country, to embrace a more inclusive and people-centered approach that can encourage and support resource co-management, improve coastal livelihoods and enhance sustainability. Yet, South Africa must be cautious not to compromise the integrity of its marine conservation efforts and its credibility as a global leader in conservation efforts, by recognising OECMs with marginal or questionable conservation benefits and putting these towards conservation targets. For now, however, the OECM concept is not yet well understood in South Africa’s marine context, particularly relative to the terrestrial OECM situation, which includes no ownership rights in the ocean, only use rights, with multiple sectors having overlapping rights to most marine area across approximately 50 different governance acts led by 20 different departments and institutions with distinct mandates. Related to this there are challenges to identifying specific measures that meet with OECM criteria and identifying and including relevant stakeholders in marine OECM processes. Negotiating the complexities of OECMs is a challenge for countries worldwide – sharing of experiences nationally, regionally and globally, including cross-realm experiences, can provide crucial enlightenment towards a balanced and effective OECM process. 

Understanding Human-Ocean connections and values: Actioning the UN Ocean Decade – Symposium 1 (part 1 of 2)  ORGANIZER: Emma McKinley 

This session – the first of two related symposia – brings together leading researchers in the field of ocean literacy to highlight the most current thinking around the conceptualisation of ocean literacy, the state of ocean literacy research globally, its role within the UN Ocean Decade Vision 2030 process, and its relevance to ocean conservation. First introduced in the early 2000s, the concept of ocean literacy has evolved in recent years, not least since its inclusion as a mechanism for change within the UN Ocean Decade’s goals. Building on early definitions of ocean literacy as an ‘understanding of your influence on the ocean and its influence on you’, there is increasing recognition of a range of additional dimensions which contribute to an individual or collective sense of ‘ocean literacy’ and ocean citizenship.  We examine the dynamic intersection of ocean literacy with ocean sciences, behavioural science, environmental psychology, education, science communication, social marketing, and impact measurement. This initial symposium links to an associated focus group –Operationalizing Ocean Literacy Research for the UN Ocean Decade and Beyond (Focus Group 1) which further examines the alignment and operationalization of current ocean literacy research trends with marine conservation efforts.   

 

Understanding Human-Ocean connections and values: Actioning the UN Ocean Decade – Symposium 2 (part 2 of 2) ORGANIZER: Emma McKinley

This session – the second of two related symposia – brings together leading practitioners in the field of ocean literacy across different geographical and community scale contexts (South Africa, Wales, Chile, India), each adopting different approaches for understanding the dimensions of ocean literacy. Despite advancements in ocean literacy understanding and uptake, not least since its inclusion as a mechanism for change within the United Nations Ocean Decade’s goals, it continues to be framed largely as a Eurocentric/Western concept, rather than by its global relevance. Moreover, the concept remains hinged on fundamental ocean science principles that fail to depict the many complexities of human-ocean relationships – exemplified by, for example, evolving research on the dimensions of ocean literacy.  The global representation of the approaches showcased in this session exemplify diverse ‘bright spots’ in the field, inclusive of place-based values, knowledge systems, and relationships held by communities about the ocean and local waterways leading to it. This symposium links to an associated focus group – Operationalizing Ocean Literacy Research for the UN Ocean Decade and beyond (Focus Group 2) – which will build on the ways ocean literacy in practice both encompasses and necessitates a broader understanding and operationalization of the concept.

 

Equity Waves: Navigating Blue Justice for Sustainable Seas
ORGANZER: David Costalgo 

The Blue Justice Symposium seeks to address the urgent need for equitable and sustainable management of our oceans. Through keynote addresses and a panel discussion, participants will delve into topics such as the Too Big To Ignore initiative, stress factors for small scale fishers in an ocean injustice framework, policy development and implementation, and community empowerment. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, this interdisciplinary event aims to amplify marginalized voices, advance inclusive decision-making processes, and catalyze meaningful action for ocean justice. Attendees will gain insights into innovative approaches to addressing pressing challenges facing our oceans, while also forging connections and partnerships to drive positive change. Together, we can work towards a future where the health and well-being of our oceans are safeguarded for generations to come, with justice and equity at the forefront of our efforts.

 

Finding consensus areas for protection on the high seas
ORGANIZER: Nate Fedrizzi

In June 2023, The U.N. adopted the world’s first treaty to protect the high seas and preserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. With this achievement, comes the major challenge of developing and implementing effective high seas protected areas. This session will review the current state of high seas protections and explore the scientific and other processes needed to realize this extraordinary opportunity for global conservation. Presenters will share a diverse body of research, from movement ecology to deep sea mapping, to highlight overlapping priority areas across different marine systems. Following the presentations, participants will be engaged in a full-group discussion to identify additional considerations that can drive progress toward a representative network of area-based protections on the high seas.

 

Using expected outcomes of Marine Protected Areas to inform and improve biodiversity conservation: Assessments using The MPA Guide
ORGANIZER: Jenna Sullivan-Stack 

This symposium brings together diverse experts to discuss the crucial role of area-based protections in conserved areas, including marine protected areas (MPAs), in achieving a healthy ocean. Discussion will focus on the body of knowledge from MPAs, including the importance of considering not only area quantity but the effective and equitable outcomes that those areas achieve to benefit people and nature. Lessons learned from MPAs will also inform the unique but synergistic aspects of assessing other conserved areas, including OECMs. Qualitative assessments aim to clarify what type of protection exists, whether that protection is active in the water, and what benefits can be expected. Here, speakers will focus on one tool for qualitative MPA assessment, The MPA Guide, which provides unique information on the expected conservation outcomes of an area using evidence from scientific studies and traditional knowledge to link how MPA design and management impact biodiversity conservation outcomes. Speakers span geographies, areas of expertise, and perspectives to share key lessons learned from assessing MPAs at global and national scales. The conversation will include the importance of integrating ecological and human dimensions in MPAs and insights into key actions needed to achieve global to local ocean targets effectively and equitably.

 

A panel discussion on the status of the Southern Benguela marine ecosystem – what is really going on in this once highly productive ecosystem?
ORGANIER: Kolobe Mmonwa 

Model-derived ecosystem indicators based on fishing effort, survey-based data and upwelling intensity show that the status of the Southern Benguela ecosystem has been in decline in the last three decades (1988-2019).  There have been observations of range shift involving an eastward expansion of cool-water species, including kelp, west coast rock lobster, and small pelagic fish, and a retraction of warm-water species such as the brown mussel. The eastward migration of rock lobster has already had a severe impact on the fishery and communities on the west coast, with further negative effects expected if this trend continues. Seabird species that compete with commercial fisheries for prey have undergone distributional shifts in a south-easterly direction. Dr Lynne Shannon will provide a broader perspective on the status of the Southern Benguela ecosystem, followed by Dr Carryn de Moor on the status of small pelagic resources. Dr Alistair McInnes will lead the discussion on predator-prey relations with special focus on seabirds, whereas Dr Sven Kerwath will provide insights into predator-prey relationships with a special focus on linefish and large pelagic resources. Ms Shamera Daniels will provide industry perspective focused on the commercial small pelagic fishery. Mr Sharl de Plessis, a small-scale fisherman from Betty`s Bay in Kleinmond will also form part of the panel to highlight how we`re all interdependent on resilient marine ecosystems.

 

Indigenous-led Ocean Conservation on Canada’s Pacific Coast – the Great Bear Sea MPA Network – Part One – Overview
ORGANIZER: Sabine Jessen

“The Great Bear Sea on British Columbia’s north coast and encompasses over 100,000 sq km of productive cold-water marine and coastal ecosystems that have sustained coastal peoples for thousands of years. This region is known for the incredible diversity of species and the habitats that support them – from the open ocean to long, deep fjords, from dense kelp forests to globally unique glass sponge reefs. First Nations have stewarded both land and sea in the region for millennia, ensuring that their communities and cultures remain vibrant and strong. However, overfishing shipping and climate change are now impacting ocean health. 

This two part symposium will explore the lessons learned during the 20-year process to implement a network of MPAs on Canada’s Pacific coast, led by 15 First Nations in partnership with federal and provincial governments. Part One of the symposium will provide an overview of the network and the process to achieve it, the difficult art of designing and maintaining co-governance arrangements among First Nation leaders, and federal and provincial governments, developing durable financing arrangements between the philanthropic community and governments to ensure both conservation and economic development outcomes, and the outreach and engagement of stakeholders in the process.

Indigenous-led Ocean Conservation on Canada’s Pacific Coast – the Great Bear Sea MPA Network – Part Two – Implementing the Network
ORGANIZER: Sabine Jessen

Part two of the symposium will explore the process to develop the network and demonstrate how the MPAs are designed to protect key ecological features. Indigenous perspectives on specific network elements and how Indigenous knowledge and western science came together to guide the design of the network will be explored. Indigenous Protected and Conservation Areas (IPCAs) are working together with Crown protected areas, to increase protection in the region and recognize different legal regimes. The session will also explore the Haida Gwaii subregion approach to MPA network development. The session will end with a presentation on the implementation and monitoring framework for the network.  

Building the scientific case for high seas marine protected areas
Organizer: Nichola Clark 

We would propose for our symposium to cover the following topics:

Discussion of the BBNJ (aka “High Seas”) treaty and the opportunities it creates for advance science and marine conservation in the two-thirds of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction

Existing data and tools to help identify high seas conservation priorities

High Seas Biodiversity + Connectivity to Coasts and People

Deep dive into potential High Seas priority sites in areas beyond African nations’ jurisdictions

Highlighting MPA success stories within African nations’ waters and discussion of lessons learned for potential MPA sites beyond national jurisdiction” 

 

Beyond Funding: Rising to the challenges of supporting actionable ocean science.
ORGANIZER: Kayla Ripple 

In recent years, a proliferation of approaches has emerged aimed at increasing the use of science in marine conservation. Examples include co-production (Bremer and Meisch, 2017), co-design (Mauser et al., 2013), research-practice partnerships (Tseng, 2012), collaborative research (Matso et al., 2018), and transdisciplinary research (Lang et al., 2012) to name a few. But to move such concepts from academic literature to real-world practice requires engagement and funding support from research funding communities. This symposium will feature an international panel of experts in public and private funding, including those that understand trends in ocean science funding and concepts related to moving research into management and policy, to discuss how funders can better engage with communities to understand their needs, and support use-inspired and collaborative research. Panelists will discuss topics such as funding processes that can bring diverse partners together – from managers and scientists to Indigenous knowledge holders to stakeholders and more – to articulate key research questions together, structure projects, and collaborate on production, communication, and use of resulting knowledge. The aim is to share ideas on ways to enhance usable research through investment targeted at building a foundation of more durable research relationships.

OPEN SYMPOSIA

Seas of Sustainability: Advancing Marine Stewardship in the Indian Subcontinent ORGANIZER: Shaili Johri  

The proposed symposium aims to gather marine conservation experts-researchers and practitioners as well as experts in social sciences from across the Indian sub-continent to engage in knowledge exchange and discussions to shape the current and future marine conservation policy in the region

Through thought-provoking presentations, and a panel discussion, we expect to provide the participants a platform to delve into topics ranging from sustainable fisheries management, ecological assessments and conservation to marine pollution mitigation to climate change adaptation and marine protected area governance and more. Further by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the symposium seeks to chart a course towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between India’s coastal communities and its marine environments.

A Conceptualization of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Across Spatiotemporal Scales
ORGANIZER: Brittany Bartlett

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices are three distinct threats that reduce biodiversity, harm marine ecosystems, compromise local, national, and international economies, and threaten the well-being of those who depend on fisheries for their livelihood. However, although these three practices vary in context and represent diverse meanings, drivers, impacts, and management needs, they are often conflated into the term IUU and homogenized across spatiotemporal scales. This is particularly detrimental to small-scale fisheries, where rules and regulations can involve top-down management approaches but also, usually unrecognized, bottom-up local regulations. In such cases, small-scale fisheries can be seen as “illegal” from a strictly legal perspective but sustainably managed through local rules. This is important as small-scale fisheries, of which approximately 97% reside in developing countries, vary in scope and face socio-complex challenges. Therefore, a more thorough understanding of the identity and the unique ecological, economic, governance, political, and social conditions in which fisheries operate is critical in ensuring locally relevant conservation interventions supported by local communities and stakeholders. This session will, therefore, seek to deconstruct the IUU concept to relevant, operational, and actionable scales through a diverse collection of case study reviews.

 

Beyond the status quo: defining and enabling a sustainable deep-ocean blue economy
ORGANIZER: Diva Amon 

Global attention is turning to the promise of the Blue Economy as a pathway to sustainable development, with largely unrestrained expansion of human activities and associated impacts threatening the unique, important and fragile deep ocean. With deep-ocean ecosystems already affected by climate change, fisheries and pollution, and with new threats on the horizon, we are at a critical juncture for stewarding Earth’s ocean. Given the importance and vulnerability of the deep ocean to ensuring planetary health and human well being, it is critical that it is stewarded effectively and equitably, and the time to act is NOW before many of these activities begin in earnest. This symposium will advance idea exchange around a TRULY equitable and sustainable deep-ocean Blue Economy in a rapidly changing world. This symposium has the potential to lead to scientifically informed, holistic decision-making and management, and ultimately a sustained healthy and resilient deep ocean.

Using marine biodiversity knowledge to inform conservation action – Progress from national assessments
ORGANIZER: Jason Landrum 

In 2020, the Marine Biodiversity Dialogues project assembled a task force of international experts to discuss different approaches and real-world applications of country-wide assessments of marine biodiversity. From these conversations, the task force developed the first-ever national marine biodiversity assessment framework for the United States (U.S.) and then used it to assess the effectiveness of marine protected areas across the U.S. exclusive economic zone (https://www.lenfestocean.org/en/news-and-publications/cross-currents/2024/marine-biodiversity-dialogues-task-force-i-releases-new-framework). Given the success in the Dialogues’ cross-country collaborative effort, this session will invite speakers from around the world to share their work and experiences in developing new, or executing existing, national assessments of marine biodiversity that are positioned to guide conservation strategies and action. Speakers will be encouraged to discuss effective approaches to facilitating tight coupling between expert communities (i.e., knowledge holders) and decision-makers (e.g., knowledge users) that work collaboratively towards determining what knowledge is required, collected, and eventually integrated into management and/or conservation decisions or actions. Furthermore, presenters will be invited to speak directly to the role and inclusion of diverse sources of knowledge, including those that are contributed by Indigenous experts and communities, which remains a shared challenge among many countries and communities.

 

Sustained Engagement Across Scientists, Managers, and Communities is Essential to Foster Climate-Resilient Fisheries
ORGANIZER: Emily Knight

Millions of people around the world depend on seafood from fishing as a source of nutrition, income, and well-being. But climate change is already impacting fish populations by reducing productivity, altering prey availability, and shifting distributions. Accelerating climate-resilient fisheries management poses challenges that are cross-cutting, cross-disciplinary, and at times contentious. For new scientific information to spark creative solutions, diverse actors must be involved. Outreach and engagement sustained throughout scientific projects can lead to more trusted relationships, establish new channels of dialogue and collaboration, and position results for maximal use. In this session, speakers will discuss sustained outreach and engagement approaches between scientists, stakeholders, managers, policymakers, and community leaders.  They will reveal insights, share lessons and illustrate the difference it has made in fostering more sustainable management of climate-resilient fisheries. The panel will be moderated by the Lenfest Ocean Program, a funding program dedicated to supporting use-inspired marine science. Since 2018, the Lenfest Climate-Resilient Fisheries Portfolio has supported a range of projects to provide a better understanding of how climate variability and change will impact fisheries, fisheries management, and fishing communities in the U.S. and abroad. 

 

Methods and Approaches for Nature and People Positive Oceans  
ORGANIZERS: Rachel Golden Kroner and Aaron Eger

“Urgency to address the biodiversity crisis is rising on the global agenda with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, increasing interest by the private sector, and recognition of the importance of inclusive approaches. Halting and reversing biodiversity loss, or a goal for a “nature positive” future has become shorthand as an apex goal for biodiversity alongside a net zero goal for climate. Critically, social scientists are urging a “nature and people positive” that considers inclusive approaches. The nature and people positive concept is a powerful framing to galvanize action but requires significant scientific attention from marine scientists and cross-sectoral collaborations to realize its potential to bend the curve for biodiversity and support equity and justice. This symposium will describe and apply a vision for a nature and people-positive future for the ocean that is holistic, grounded in evidence, multi-scalar, and interdisciplinary and include practical examples. We will describe emerging research questions and propose solutions including from the private sector, place-based approaches, and incentive-based behavior change research. We propose an open symposium in order to solicit additional proposals on relevant topics to provide space for institutional and geographic diversity.

 

Learning about Ocean Defenders through Global Case Studies
ORGANIZER: Rocio Lopez De La Lama

Ocean defenders are individuals, groups (e.g., Indigenous Peoples, small-scale fishers, women, youth), and communities who are actively protecting the marine environment and their rights from existential threats (Bennett, López de la Lama, Le Billon, Ertör & Morgera, 2023). Ocean defenders are increasingly mobilizing locally and globally in response to the expanding blue economy and related injustices. For their efforts, ocean defenders often face marginalization, intimidation, criminalization, threats, violence, and murders. 

Despite this worrying scenario, there is insufficient attention and academic interest in and evidence of where, why, and how ocean defenders are opposing these threats to the marine environment and their rights. There is also a need to better understand the actions that can be taken to support the struggles and safeguard the security of ocean defenders. Recently, The Ocean Defenders Project (http://oceandefendersproject.org) has emerged to fill this gap in knowledge related to struggles and challenges faced by ocean defenders, but also as a way to foster academic interest and research on this topic. 

 

Improving Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas with SMART and other integrated conservation technology
ORGANIZER: Anthony Lynam 

The SMART Partnership will host a symposium gathering marine practitioners worldwide to exchange insights on conservation technology implementation in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Discussions will focus on extending SMART’s reach in marine conservation, measuring MPA and OECM effectiveness, and integrating with other tools. Emphasis will be placed on the ‘SMART Approach,’ integrating cutting-edge software with capacity building and best practices. SMART enables real-time data collection and analysis on community fishery monitoring, IUU fishing, patrol routes, and marine fauna, aiding resource allocation and performance evaluation. Recent updates include SMART Connect, facilitating real-time data sharing and integration with platforms like EarthRanger and Skylight, enhancing SMART’s tactical and analytical utility. The symposium aims to familiarize participants with marine conservation tech functionalities, its strategic application in MPA management, and the synergies between SMART, EarthRanger, Skylight, and other tech tools for informed decision-making in conservation practices.

A better resilient future
ORGANIZER: Silindile Gumede 

This symposium will explore the impacts of climate change on coastal marine ecosystems and current adaptation strategies. Discussions will primarily focus on community-led initiatives, that alongside NGOs and governments, are co-creating how the EbA narrative occurs at ground level. Further topics may include local scale interventions such as fostering coastal resilience, community engagement, and technological innovations, as well as on a global scale including international collaboration, sustainable financing mechanisms, policy frameworks, and governance structures which are essential for effective marine adaptation. Our primary aim is to foster dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnerships among scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to enhance marine resilience through EbA. Through shared experiences and best practices, participants will contribute to advancing marine conservation and adaptation efforts on a global scale.

 

Building Partnerships for Climate-Resilient MPAs ORGANIZER: Victoria Bell

“This symposium aims to address the profound impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and the resulting challenges facing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Experts and practitioners will gather to explore innovative strategies and foster collaborations aimed at enhancing the resilience of MPAs in the face of changing ocean conditions.

Central to the symposium is the concept of forging collaborative partnerships across various sectors, including academia, NGOs, government agencies, local communities, and private entities. By bringing together stakeholders and rightsholders, the symposium seeks to facilitate discussions on topics such as collaborative research initiatives, community engagement in MPA conservation, public-private partnerships for climate adaptation, and international cooperation in addressing global MPA challenges.

It will emphasize the importance of collaborative research and partnerships by highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to adapt established MPAs to the realities of climate change. Since 2023, the Lenfest Ocean Program has funded projects worldwide to address Managing Protected Areas in a Changing Ocean, through this symposium we aim to share lessons learned from the portfolio and connect to other regions developing actionable approaches to this need. The session will feature diverse panelists from MPA management, scientific, and stakeholder/rightsholder communities to catalyze ideas promoting long-term sustainability.

 

Science-Based Targets for Ocean Industries: Establishing the science to engage corporate action on ocean conservation
ORGANIZER: Alice Thomas-Smyth 

This symposium will introduce the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) and its work to develop measurable, actionable, time-bound, and science-based guidance that allow companies and cities to align with Earth’s limits and societal sustainability goals. In early 2025, the SBTN Ocean Hub will release its Version 1 guidance, addressing the seafood industry, with plans to expand guidance to other key ocean industries. We will also cover ocean-based pressures placed on nature and biodiversity by sectors such as coastal development, tourism, offshore renewable energy, and shipping, and how science-based targets fit into global frameworks to address these pressures to conserve nature and biodiversity. The symposium is open to all presentations relevant to: ocean conservation & biodiversity metrics and indicators, corporate responsibility and assessment, and mitigation hierarchies and voluntary frameworks. This will be co-hosted by the co-leading organizations of the Ocean Hub, Conservation International and WWF, the Ocean Hub has funding and is prepared to invite NGO and corporate partners including companies that have pilot tested methods. This symposium is intended to be paired with a focus group that will develop recommendations for the future focus of the Ocean Hub, informing the next sector(s) and pressure(s) that will be addressed. 

 

Progress, barriers, and opportunities to achieving the 30×30 target in the Western Indian Ocean
ORGANIZER: Vera Horigue 

This proposed symposium, which will be followed by a focus group discussion, will invite and accept presentations from marine scientists, conservation planners, managers, academics, government representatives from the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The expected topics to be discussed in this session include: i) effective approaches to establishment and management of MPAs; ii) practical and efficient approaches to tracking progress towards achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 30×30 target at different governance scales; and, iii) lessons learned from the implementation of marine spatial planning, and blue economy policies to support marine conservation goals.  These topics will help guide the succeeding focus group discussion, and assist in reviewing and inputting to the proposed 30×30 Roadmap for the WIO. 

 

Transboundary threats and conservation of sea turtles
ORGANIZER: Andrea Phillott

Potentially migrating great distances during different stages of their life cycle, sea turtles face transboundary threats such as interactions with fisheries, exposure to pollution, habitat loss due to coastal development, illegal take, and climate change. Successful conservation approaches often need to be of a similarly transboundary nature. However, coordinated and collaborative efforts among different actors- including indigenous peoples, local communities, researchers, managers, non-governmental organizations, and governments- can be challenging. Socio-political, policy, administrative, communication, and other differences often need to be overcome for project objectives to be realized.

The goal of this symposium is to highlight approaches that assess and manage or mitigate transboundary threats through research, action, practice, policy, and/or education. Doing so will demonstrate the ecological, social, cultural, economic, and, potentially, political benefits of transboundary efforts to the symposium audience.

 

Visions for an integrated marine science community
ORGANIZER: Aaniyah Martin 

The topics we want to cover include the intersection of marine biodiversity and social justice, particularly in a post-apartheid South Africa where most people were denied access to the ocean, and continue to be denied despite democracy. The topics include the following: 

Ethical education in marine science and conservation – the value of teaching marine science students about people, the value of local and indigenous knowledge, ethics in marine science, considering access in science communication and education.

Black and Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC) in marine science and conservation – tokenism, power dynamics, experiences, visions for an integrated marine science community.

 

Tangible actions to tackle marine pollution
ORGANIZER: Danica Marlin 

“The global call to action towards tackling marine pollution is growing. Interventions to prevent waste from entering the environment are necessary throughout the entire waste value chain. Poor waste management is linked to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The waste management sector is uniquely positioned to change global GHG emissions through prevention and recovery of waste in all other sectors (e.g. agriculture, transport etc.).   

This symposium will discuss actions that decrease marine pollution. The focus will be on actions developing countries can implement, considering their limited capacities and varied socio-political environments, and on effective evaluation of the actions to ensure positive impact is being achieved.

Proposed topics for discussion:

Actions to support data collection:

Measure and monitor changes in waste, litter load and behaviour. 

Actions to support people: 

Supporting the recycling industry provides employment, improves the health of people and the environment, benefits agriculture, tourism and contributes to the economy.

Design training and capacity development interventions.

Actions to increase recycling: 

Develop enabling, Africa-appropriate legislation. 

Informal sector support and just integration.

Actions to support the full value chain

Each step of the waste value chain needs a supported solution.

Successful examples of estuarine restoration: Science-based strategies and hope for the future
ORGANIZER: Christine Santora 

“This symposium will highlight successful place-based examples of estuary or coastal restoration. Many coastal water bodies around the world have been degraded or impacted by overfishing, nonpoint source pollution, habitat loss, and overdevelopment. However, there are many efforts around the world that have used science-based strategies to restore species, habitats, and ecological functions to estuaries or coastal water bodies. Examples include seagrass replanting, building oyster reefs, and coral restoration. Restoration is easier said than done, though, and it is important to tap into the scientists and practitioners who have undertaken such efforts successfully. The symposium can highlight science-based project design, show how monitoring is key to measuring success, and discuss positive environmental outcomes. The symposium should focus on presentations where measurable outcomes and metrics can be presented, both for restoration interventions (e.g. acres restored, percent population growth) and broader benefits (e.g. improved ecosystem function, biodiversity gains, blue carbon storage amounts). Restoration can even result in economic benefits as well as environmental ones – a win-win for nature and people. Sharing successful restoration stories, tactics, lessons, and benefits can inspire more of these efforts, relay practical information on how to execute restoration plans, and connect conservation practitioners and advocates who are

 

Beyond “30×30”
ORGANIZER: Angelo Villagomez 

This is a discussion to improve area based marine conservation efforts with the goal of overcoming the shortcomings of 30×30 – especially when it comes to work with local communities and Indigenous peoples.  Focusing on outcomes and impacts should improve the impact of 30×30, but may require a shift away from focusing on numbers and percentages.  We will begin with a scientific analysis of what global protected area coverage looks like today.  Topics to be explored include (1) how scientists and conservation professionals can better engage together with local communities, Indigenous peoples, fishers, and other stakeholders to create a network of geographically representative conservation areas that are just, well-designed, and well-managed, (2) how to make the conservation gains made so far more durable, and (3) how to focus on the human dimensions and enabling conditions to ensure access, equity, and quality of conservation outcomes.

 

Marine conservation conflict in coastal metropoles
ORGANIZER: Sarah Waries 

This symposium will explore challenges experienced by scientists/managers/conservationists working in large coastal metropoles and potential solutions to find a balance between marine conservation and urban development.

Topics can include; human-wildlife conflict, habitat degradation, waste management and pollution, climate change resilience, marine protected areas, tourism impacts and sustainability (ecotourism + general tourism footprint), coastal fisheries management, recreational angling, indigenous/small-scale/artisanal fisheries impact in modern era, stakeholder engagement and communication of conservation conflicts. 

 

The use of earth observation for marine and coastal conservation and decision support
ORGANIZER: Obakeng Molelu 

For this session, we will be accepting abstracts on research and activities that contribute to coastal and marine conservation, management, improving livelihoods and safety at sea, and monitoring

Marine and Maritime

Ship Traffic Monitoring 

Sea Rescue

Aquaculture and Fisheries

Aquaculture support

Supporting Small Scale fisheries in monitoring fish catch and sustainable fishing, community development.

Coastal Services

Coral Bleaching

Water Quality

The Africa Marine and Coastal Operations for Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean (MarCOSIO) project is a project under the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and Africa under the African Union Commission (AUC). The MarCOSIO project strongly contributes to the implementation of the African Space Policy and Strategy (ASPS) through application of world-leading satellite sensors, e.g., the European Sentinel series, with innovative and regionally optimised products.

 

Open symposium on Ocean Fluency in the Western Indian Ocean: Experiences and Practicalities from Kenya and South Africa
ORGANIZER: Sarah Ater 

Experiences, challenges and opportunities for Ocean Fluency in Kenya and South Africa.

 

Empowering Oceans: Building Conservation Capacities in Developing Nations
ORGANIZER: Marian Rocha De Souza 

“The symposium is open for presentations that highlight any of the key facets of marine conservation in developing countries. Topics include showcasing projects that:

1) actively involve local communities, emphasizing their crucial role in conservation efforts, 

2) integrate local and indigenous knowledge into conservation practices, recognizing the value of traditional wisdom.

3) include citizen science, elucidating the impactful role of public engagement in data collection and its implications for conservation outcomes. 

4) enhance local leadership and training, fostering capacity building within communities.

5) include outreach initiatives, emphasizing the pivotal role of public awareness in the landscape of marine conservation.

6) foster international collaboration, emphasizing the interconnected nature of marine ecosystems and the need for collaborative solutions. 

7) provide insights into mechanisms for sustainable project funding, offering practical approaches to support successful conservation endeavors. 

In summary, the symposium promises a comprehensive exploration of community engagement, knowledge integration, and collaborative strategies crucial for building effective conservation capacities in developing nations.

Oceans for all: Open symposium on DEI in ocean practice.
ORGANIZER: Sarah Ater 

Using examples from different geographic regions, we will explore challenges and opportunities for diversity, equity and inclusion in ocean science and practice.

 

Putting sharks in the parks: sharing lessons in spatial planning to accelerate shark conservation.
ORGANIZER: Nick Dulvy

Building on lessons learned from other taxa and habitats, this symposium focuses on the conservation of sharks, rays, and chimaeras (Class Chondrichthyes, sharks and rays). Owing to their intrinsic sensitivity combined with high fishing pressure, in part driven by international trade in their body parts, Chondrichthyans are the most threatened class of marine organisms. While many species are endemic to single nations, others range widely, resulting in spatial protection that is piecemeal. Consequently, the extinction risk of these wide-ranging species is very high. However, their broad distributions also mean that sharks and rays have the potential to serve as umbrella species for other marine species in area-based conservation efforts. In this symposium, we aim to accelerate shark and ray conservation globally by sharing an understanding of the status and complexities of their area-based conservation and learning lessons from previous planning experiences, conducted mainly in North American Europe, South Africa, and Australia. This symposium has three objectives: (1) to share knowledge of the plight of sharks and rays, (2) to share progress in the identification and visualization of key features of shark and ray biodiversity including hotspots and complementary areas, and (3) to learn lessons from other marine spatial planning

 

Charting a Course for Collaborative Interdisciplinary Innovation in Marine Conservation and Stewardship
ORGANIZER: Shaili Johri 

Marine conservation stands as a pressing global concern in the face of escalating environmental and anthropogenic threats. Effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges of safeguarding marine ecosystems over a sustained and meaningful time frame, demands innovative approaches that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. This symposium aims to provide a platform to explore the paradigm shift towards interdisciplinary collaboration in marine conservation efforts. Drawing upon diverse fields such as marine biology, ecology, oceanography, policy studies, economics, and social sciences, interdisciplinary approaches offer comprehensive insights into the complex dynamics of marine ecosystems and human interactions. By integrating knowledge and methodologies from various disciplines, interdisciplinary marine conservation endeavors strive to develop holistic strategies that balance ecological sustainability with socioeconomic considerations. This symposium highlights the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing the effectiveness and resilience of marine conservation initiatives. We invite speakers who can share examples of interdisciplinary marine conservation initiatives and their outcomes . We expect this symposium to provide real world examples of interdisciplinary conservation and lessons in fostering such initiatives, ultimately aimed at sustainable and inclusive conservation.   

From base pair to genome: current applications for marine conservation ORGANIZER: Shaili Johri 

“The symposium will cover DNA-based tools to quantify genetic diversity and assess extinction risk for species of conservation concern, scaling in size from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to genetic barcode to whole genome. To keep a pulse on innovation, the final talk should discuss how a newer genomic technology borrowed from molecular biology or computer science could be applied to marine research.

From base pair: Projects that sequence known or discover new genetic markers ranging in length from one to hundreds of base pairs for identification. Applications range from stock/population assessment of a single species to biodiversity monitoring of multiple taxa. 

To genome: Projects that sequence long reads (>1,000 base pairs) to whole genomes to explore variation and evolution. Applications include generating reference genomes, finding adaptation, characterizing population viability, and more. 

And beyond: How can we borrow innovative molecular sequencing methods to generate and integrate multi-omics data, including the transcriptome and epigenome, to better understand the environmental effect on phenotype? How can we borrow computational algorithms to process whole genomes when faced with issues of low coverage or small sample size in non-model organisms?

Submitting Your Abstract
To submit your abstract, please follow the “Submit an Abstract” link located in the right panel to access the abstract submission site.

 

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CLOSED SYMPOSIA

To present during a closed symposium, you must have already been in discussion with a symposium lead.

 

• Understanding Human-Ocean connections and values: Actioning the UN Ocean Decade 
• OECMs: Opportunities for expanding marine protection in South Africa
• Equity Waves: Navigating Blue Justice for Sustainable Seas
• How to better centre ocean equity in marine science
• Finding consensus areas for protection on the high seas
• Using expected outcomes of Marine Protected Areas to inform and improve biodiversity conservation: Assessments using The MPA Guide
• A panel discussion on the status of the Southern Benguela marine ecosystem – what is really going on in this once highly productive ecosystem?
• Beyond Funding: Rising to the challenges of supporting actionable ocean science
• Indigenous-led Ocean Conservation on Canada’s Pacific Coast – the Great Bear Sea MPA Network (Part One – Overview / Part Two – Implementing the Network
• Building the scientific case for high seas marine protected areas

 

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OPEN SYMPOSIA

Anyone may request to present as part of an open symposium, and symposium leads will select those that best fit their needs. If you are not accepted into an open symposium, your talk will be placed into another session type.

 

• Seas of Sustainability: Advancing Marine Stewardship in the Indian Subcontinent
• Citizen Science for Marine Conservation
• A Conceptualization of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Across Spatiotemporal Scales
• Beyond the status quo: defining and enabling a sustainable blue economy and stewardship in the deep ocean
• Using marine biodiversity knowledge to inform conservation action – Progress from national assessments
• Sustained Engagement Across Scientists, Managers, and Communities is Essential to Foster Climate-Resilient Fisheries
• Exploring Nature Positive Pathways for Marine Conservation
• Learning about Ocean Defenders through Global Case Studies
• Improving Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas with SMART and other integrated conservation technology
• A better resilient future: Join us on the coast of innovation as we explore the synergy between Ecosystem-Based Adaptation, Marine Protected Areas, and Coastal Communities
• Building Partnerships for Climate-Resilient MPAs
• Science-Based Targets for Ocean Industries: Establishing the science to engage corporate action on ocean conservation
• Progress, barriers, and opportunities to achieving the 30×30 target in the Western Indian Ocean
• Transboundary threats and conservation of sea turtles
• Visions for an integrated marine science community
• Tangible actions to tackle marine pollution
• Facilitating dialogue in support of Small-Scale Fishers in the western Indian Ocean region
• Successful examples of estuarine restoration: Science-based strategies and hope for the future
• Beyond “30×30”
• Marine conservation conflict in coastal metropoles
• The use of earth observation for marine and coastal conservation and decision support
• Ocean Fluency in the Western Indian Ocean: Experiences and Practicalities from Kenya and South Africa
• Empowering Oceans: Building Conservation Capacities in Developing Nations
• Oceans for all: Open symposium on DEI in ocean practice
• Putting sharks in the parks: sharing lessons in spatial planning to accelerate shark conservation
• Charting a Course for Collaborative Interdisciplinary Innovation in Marine Conservation and Stewardship
• Creating a community-led marine plan in western, Newfoundland Canada to protect and connect the health of our ocean and coastal communities
• From base pair to genome: current applications for marine conservation
• Methods and approaches for Nature and People Positive Oceans