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Information on permits required for collecting seaweeds can be found by clicking here.
The 24th Northwest Algal Symposium (NWAS) will meet on the weekend of April 16th-18th, 2010 at the Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center on Whidbey Island, Washington. The Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center is part of the Deception Pass State Park (http://www.visitwhidbey.com/camp-grounds/Deception-Pass-State-Park.html). The Center is located on a small sheltered bay and was the site of the CCC camp that built most of the park structures in the 1930’s. The site has a large dining hall, a recreational center (set up for talks), and 19 cabins each with 10 double bunks.
We also encourage the participation of the very large and active local citizen science and beach stewardship group, the Island County Beachwatchers (http://www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/island/).
The symposium will include oral and poster presentations covering any aspect of macro or microalgal research and this year we also particularly welcome talks on seagrasses, bioenergy and citizen science. The symposium will provide an excellent forum for the exchange of information and ideas in a relaxed and informal setting, long term algal aficionados and novices alike are encouraged to participate. Undergraduate and graduate students are, in particular, most welcome! Awards will be presented for the best student poster and best oral presentation.
The banquet featured speaker will be Kathy Ann Miller, University of California Berkeley. She has extensive diving experience in such places as Antarctica and Kamchatka. She was named the Western Society of Naturalist's 2004 Naturalist of the Year. This will be an opportunity to see algae and places you probably didn't even know about!
Sunday morning's biofuels/biomass round table discussion is shaping up. A group of scientists and business people have been invited to participate. This should be a fascinating look at the interface of basic science, technology and venture capital. For those thinking about career paths, this is the place to be. Participants include
- Mike Lakeman- Renewable Energy Specialist, Boeing Commercial Airplanes- accepted
- Margaret McCormick -Targeted Growth - invited
- Kelly Ogilvie- Blue Marble Energy- invited
- Charlie O'Kelly, University of Washington, Friday Harbor Labs- invited
- Guri Roesijadi- PNNL Sequim- accepted
Housing will be provided on site. Accommodations will be provided in cabins,. Arrangements have also been made for group rates at local motels in Oak Harbor. Housing is not included with the registration fee.
Meals will be provided from Friday evening through Sunday at noon. On Saturday night, we will be having a catered banquet on site in the dining hall. The banquet is included as part of the registration fee. A liquor license has been obtained for the symposium. There will also be an auction of phycological memorabilia to raise funds for student travel and registration assistance.
Students will be encouraged to apply for assistance for travel and registration as well as several paying positions to help with registration and audio visual equipment.
A field trip will take place in the Deception Pass area, a moderately to highly exposed rocky intertidal with very high currents. This will be an excellent opportunity for new and old to share knowledge and do a little mentoring.
Please spread the word- all are welcome. Future announcements will be circulated by email and announced on ALGAE-L and the NWAS listserver. Also, please join the Northwest Algal Symposium group on Facebook.
Registration & Abstracts will be due on the 15th of March.
For further information, please contact Tom Mumford (tmumford@u.washington.edu).
Write to Tom Mumford, 3647 Sunset Beach Dr NW, Olympia, WA 98502-3537. |