SESSION GROUP 1: CORAL REEF ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION.Session Group 1 explores the latest research on reef health, resilience, and conservation strategies. Topics include reef resilience, symbiosis and bleaching, genetics and genomics, reproduction and recruitment, disease, and restoration at levels ranging from molecules to ecosystems.
SESSION GROUP 2: CLIMATE CHANGE AND OCEANOGRAPHYSession Group 2 explores challenges faced by climate change in coastal and open ocean ecosystems including rising sea levels, ocean warming, acidification, and physical/chemical/geological processes that drive these changes, emphasizing mitigation and adaptation strategies.
SESSION GROUP 3: FISHERIES SCIENCE, AQUACULTURE AND MANAGEMENTSession Group 3 explores sustainable fisheries, management, and aquaculture systems crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and food security. Topics include stock assessments, physiology and ecology, hatcheries, effective fishing practices, and governance mechanisms for equitable resource distribution.
SESSION GROUP 4: MACROFAUNA & MEGAFAUNASession Group 4 explores coastal and offshore macrofauna and megafauna. Topics include diversity, physiology, behavior, migration routes, and spawning aggregations of key species, as well as environmental challenges to conservation.
SESSION GROUP 5: MANGROVES, SEAGRASSES & SARGASSUM ECOLOGYSession Group 5 explores research, restoration practices, and monitoring on ecosystem function of mangroves, seagrass, and coastal wetlands, and a special session on the benefits and nuisances of Sargassum.
SESSION GROUP 6: TECHNOLOGY & EXPLORATIONSession Group 6 explores advances in technologies and their application for coastal and marine science including, but not limited to, remote sensing, GIS, structure from motion (SfM), biomaterials, and ocean exploration.
SESSION GROUP 7: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPAs) AND POLICYSession Group 7 examines the design, implementation, management, and efficacy of MPAs, along with their socio-economic and ecological impacts in the region.
SESSION GROUP 8: MARINE POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTHSession Group 8 focuses on the impacts of marine pollution and other stressors aiming to identify innovative solutions for environmental health. Topics include toxicology, plastic pollution, water quality challenges, groundwater discharge, and the spread of invasive species.
SESSION GROUP 9: MARINE BIODIVERSITY AND HISTORICAL ECOLOGYSession Group 9 focuses on understanding past and present biodiversity patterns as keys to predicting future changes. This includes topics such as species identification, habitat mapping, species distribution, and ecosystem monitoring.
SESSION GROUP 10: BLUE ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTThe blue economy provides pathways to balance economic growth with ocean health. Session Group 10 focuses on the blue economy with topics including carbon sequestration, renewable energy, aquaculture, and eco-tourism as pillars of sustainable development.
SESSION GROUP 11: MARINE EDUCATION, OUTREACH & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTSession Group 11 explores strategies for education, outreach, citizen science, and fostering collaboration between scientists and local stakeholders to protect marine environments. Presenters are encouraged to highlight upcoming programs to attract new participants.
SESSION GROUP 12: FIELD STATION OPERATIONS, LOGISTICS, AND SAFETYEffective field station management is essential for supporting marine research, education and collaboration. As a consortium of marine laboratories, the AMLC is committed to promoting exchange of ideas, tools, and tips among its members for safely and effectively conducting marine science and education. Session Group 12 will explore insights into operational best practices, logistics, and safety, including visitor safeguarding, laboratory design, and diving.
