The annual Pacific Estuarine Research Society meeting is April 2nd - 5th, 2009 (look on the far right of this page for forms and information)

Early Registration Extended to Thurday March 19th

Hotel information is at the bottom of the page.

Location: Lakeway Inn, Bellingham,WA

PERS 2009
COASTAL HORIZONS

Pacific coastal and estuarine ecosystems have experienced widespread habitat loss, perturbations, and environmental degradation as a result of increased coastal development and anthropogenic stressors.  At the same time, the estuaries and coastal habitats have demonstrated remarkable resilience in their capacity to continue to provide essential ecological functions and services that are of value to the communities of plants, animals, and humans that inhabit the coastal zone.

  The status and condition of these systems in the future will depend on improved scientific understanding and translation of science into policy and actions that may lead to more proactive management and sustainable ecosystems.  The increasing human population and associated development of coastal areas, utilization of marine resources, predicted threats of climate change, among other threats, offer many challenges to Pacific coast scientists. All require advances in understanding natural ecosystem components, physical, chemical, and biological processes, new and innovative approaches for mapping, monitoring, and adaptive management, protection, and restoration. 

The central theme of “Coastal Horizons” for this conference encourages adoption of an integrative and holistic approach for understanding and management of estuarine and coastal systems.  We encourage our colleagues to think beyond the traditional scope of their individual research projects, disciplines, and expertise, and to integrate their knowledge into a more multidisciplinary and broader-scale (temporal and spatial) approach that will help facilitate actions that contribute to more resilient and sustainable marine ecosystems in the future. 

As always, PERS anticipates a vigorous and strong scientific program, along with new and innovative contributions for advancing education and broad-based participation from coastal planners, policy-makers, industry, NGO’s, and others interested in coastal and estuarine ecosystems.  PERS also strongly encourages participation by students, young scientists, and non-scientists interested in current research and management applications.

Early Registration (March 19th) is $150.00 Professional and $130 for students

Canadian prices. (March 19th) Early Registration - 175.00 canadian, students $155.00 canadian

Call for Abstracts - (PDF)

Meet Ron Thom, our Keynote Speaker
Ron, who leads the Coastal Assessment and Restoration technical group at the Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sequim, Washington, has conducted research in coastal and estuarine ecosystems since 1971.  His research includes habitat construction and restoration; adaptive management of restored systems; effects of pollution; benthic primary production; climate change; and ecology of fisheries resources.  He has worked on programs in systems in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Massachusetts, New York, Nebraska, Alabama, and most recently in the southern Gulf of Mexico.  Ron has directed approximately 200 multidisciplinary ecological studies. He has published sixteen book chapters, over 60 peer reviewed journal articles, hundreds of reports, and made hundreds of professional presentations. Ron serves as an Affiliate Associate Professor, School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, University of Washington, and as an Adjunct Professor for Western Washington University Huxley Environmental Studies program.  He also serves as subject editor for the journal Marine Biology Research.  From 1985-1989 he chaired the Technical Advisory Committee of the Puget Sound Estuary Program.  Ron was recently appointed to serve on the new Science Team of the Straits Commission. 

Ron’s interest in marine sciences developed while surfing and scuba diving in southern California in the early 1960’s, and was influenced by the famous surfer Ricky Grigg who pursued a marine sciences career.  He has been a proud member of PERS for a long time.