[Coral-List] Abstract submission open for Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) Conference

[Christy Semmens]

Dear list members,

Please spread the word amongst your networks. This is a unique conference that brings together practitioners, scientists, educators, and fishers, and is a great setting for students to network and present their work.

Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) is pleased to announce that the 76th Annual Conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI76) will be held in Nassau, The Bahamas from 6 -10 November 2023 at the Atlantis Paradise Island Hotel. Abstract submission, award application links, travel information, registration, and other information can be found online at www.gcfi.org/gcfi76 <http://www.gcfi.org/gcfi76>

The annual GCFI conference brings together scientists, practitioners, resource agency staff, non-profit organizations, government officials, students, and fishers to exchange ideas and perspectives on emerging research and science, best practices, and future priorities for the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region. The program includes an opening plenary, general sessions, workshops, and technical sessions. There will be a hybrid option for those who cannot attend in person.

Abstracts are now being accepted. Abstract submission deadline is July 1, 2023. 

There are several travel and other award opportunities, including Student Travel Award, Student Award for Academic Achievement, Science and Conservation of Fish Aggregations (SCRFA) travel award, the Ron Schmied Scholarship supported by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), and the Gladding Memorial Award for Fishers. Award applications are due 31 May (Gladding nominations are due 15 Aug).

Early bird registration is open through 30 September.

The theme of this year’s conference is "Linking science and society towards a vision for sustainable fisheries".

In keeping with the theme of the conference, submissions for oral and/or poster presentations on the following topics are encouraged:
Innovative strategies that promote management and fishery conservation.
Potential short-term and long-term impacts of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture sustainability including integrating knowledge on climate change into fisheries management and marine spatial plans (e.g., modeling and mapping tools, risk and vulnerability analyses, sea-use scenarios; ocean planning and management initiatives) Innovative strategies that support fishers and communities as they work to meet the sustainable fisheries goals.
Social justice, equity, and fairness in marine fisheries and how these can be integrated into national and international fisheries management and science, Promoting research and training to build capacity and improve sustainability of local and regional fisheries.
Integrating approaches to restore key species, communities, ecosystems, and ecological processes Aquaculture approaches to address food insecurity and depleted stocks

In addition to contributed sessions, the following special sessions will be held at the conference:
Research and stakeholder collaboration to inform and execute conservation and restoration - Organized by Bonefish and Tarpon Trust
MPA networks as tools to implement ecosystems monitoring programs? - Organized by Regional Activity Centre for the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife for the Wider Caribbean Region - SPAW RAC and the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute

The following Workshops will be held prior to the conference start, on Sunday 5 November:
Developing Harvest Strategies Using FishPath & Using Adaptive Implementable Management to Achieve Human & Ecological Welfare Objectives - Organized by NOAA, TNC, and GCFI 
Interactions between human activities and marine megafauna of the Caribbean: Progress made through the CAMAC project and potential for future actions - Organized by Agoa Sanctuary and the SPAW-RAC and GCFI

GCFI is partnering with The Bahamas Ministry of the Environment to host GCFI76, and is grateful to a variety of partners and sponsors for making this year's conference possible. We hope to see you there!

- Christy Pattengill-Semmens, on behalf of the GCFI Board

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Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D. (she/hers)
Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
www.REEF.org
Protecting Marine Life Through Education, Service, and Research