Special Topic Sessions for 2020
Marine Heatwaves: Ecological and Biological consequences of extreme warming events in coastal marine ecosystems.
Organizer: Gretchen E. Hofmann
5 min talks (with 15-min invited talks)
This session brings together a range of perspectives on marine heatwaves, an environmental stress that is emerging as a major issue for coastal marine ecosystems of California. Speakers will cover topics that range from ecological impacts to molecular approaches to investigate organismal response to heat stress. We very much welcome everyone to join in and share your work, even it is still a twinkle in your eye!
Climate-change refugia in marine and terrestrial environments
Co-organizers: Mikaela Provost and Fiorenza Micheli
5 min talks
Climate change is impacting ecosystems but the impact is not uniform across space and spatial scales. Habitat refugia can buffer the effects of climate change, potentially mitigating the effects of climate change on populations through lower exposure and/or by promoting local adaptation. This session will include talks on diverse topics ranging from identifying habitat refugia from climate change, strategies to capitalize on these refugia through managed relocation or other spatial management plans, and the implications of local habitat refugia on populations persistence and management.
Engineering resilience in kelp forest ecosystems
Talk length TBD
Rapid environmental change is altering marine ecosystems and threatening foundation species at a global scale. West coast kelp forests are declining due to a combination of thermal stress, overgrazing, and loss of keystone species. However, little formal research has directly addressed practical solutions for kelp recovery and restoration. This session would discuss what is known and what is unknown about drivers of change in kelp forest habitats, while exploring innovative research on recovery solutions from genomics to marine spatial planning and ecology. By inviting a suite of west coast US and international speakers, we will explore lessons in restoration and management from kelp forest and other habitats around the world.
Tidepooling with John: A session in honour of Dr. John Pearse
Organizers: Doug Eernisse and Shannon Erickson Lee
Talk length TBD
If you have been influenced, as his many students and colleagues were, by the diverse contributions of the late Dr. John Pearse, then you are invited to share your research or other activities in this special tribute session. He was an expert on echinoderm reproduction, a pioneer in long-term monitoring of intertidal, kelp forest, and Antarctic community ecology, author of textbooks, and a citizen who involved himself in promoting environmental conservation.
Applied ecology for innovative and sustainable aquaculture development
Organizer: Simona Augyte
Talk length TBD
Drive forward sustainable aquaculture practices based on sound science and research data. Applying biology and ecology to farming seaweeds, shellfish and finfish.
Socioecological perspective on kelp forest recovery
Organizers: Rietta Hohman and Tristin McHugh
5 min talks
Kelp forests form the foundation of nearshore ecological communities in many regions worldwide, providing valuable ecosystem services that support vibrant economies and form rich cultural connections to the ocean. In recent years, some regions have experienced periods of prolonged kelp forest loss due to various stressors and research on kelp forest restoration techniques has gained momentum. However, the need for restoration should also include human engagement – we are aiming to restore the ecosystem, including human interactions with the ecosystem. Space and time should be allowed for insight and communication with members of coastal communities and tribal nations. We propose a special session that encourages a socioecological perspective with talks centered on enhancing positive human engagement with kelp forest ecosystems.
Towards respectful and equitable collaboration in community-based research that draws on traditional and local ecological knowledge
Organizers: Jenny Selgrath, Lynn Lee, Noelani Puniwa, Catherine Ramos, Michelle Early Capistrán
15 min talks
Multiple and diverse knowledge sources, including traditional and local ecological knowledge, can enrich our perspectives and allow room for knowledge co-production with communities to address ecological and cultural conservation issues. In this session, we will engage in discussions with diverse knowledge holders to explore ways in which we can foster respectful and inclusive collaborative relationships when engaging in community-based research. A key component of this session will be integrating the voices and perspectives of indigenous TEK, non-indigenous LEK, and SK holders.
Anthropogenic Waste
Co-organizers: Anna Bolm, Katherin Lasdin, and Susanne Brander katherine.lasdin@oregonstate.edu
5 min talks
The human footprint goes beyond the mark left in the soil. Our daily consumption can have longstanding ecological impacts spanning the globe over time. This special session showcases research investigating the presence and impacts of anthropogenic waste products — be it plastics, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals — in both aquatic and terrestrial environments along North America’s west coast.
Conducting Field Research in the Time of Covid
Organizer: David Huang
5 min talks
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has changed the landscape of field science. It not only changed the way field operations are conducted, but also created a unique social situation filled with rare research opportunities. In this session, we explore how COVID-19 has changed our approach to field research, and the novel studies which have stemmed from the wide-scale changes in human activity in response to the pandemic.