Symposia for the 2012 Southern Division Spring Meeting
SCHEDULED SYMPOSIA
Symposium Title: Life History Characteristics of Elasmobranch Fishes from the North Western Atlantic Ocean.
Organizer(s): Eric R. Hoffmayer, NOAA Fisheries
William B. Driggers III, NOAA Fisheries
James. A Sulikowski, University of New England
Format: Oral Presentations, posters, and a possible panel discussion
Time Format: Half-day symposium
Description: As a result of their k-selected life history characteristics, many elasmobranch fish stocks have been over-exploited from both directed and non-directed commercial fisheries occurring in U.S. waters. According to the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act, it is the responsibility of the National Marine Fisheries Service to end overfishing of all federally managed species, which includes many elasmobranch species, by 2010-2011. However, to properly assess these stocks, accurate life history information is critical. An essential life history parameter required for successful management of elasmobranchs is an understanding of their reproductive biology. Without information on when fish mature, how frequently they reproduce and how many offspring they produce at one time, the population status cannot be determined and demographic and stock assessments can never be adequately conducted. In recent years, anomalies in the reproductive biology of several shark species has been documented, highlighting the need for the collection of updated and regional life history information.
The objective of this symposium is to 1) attract researchers currently conducting life history studies on elasmobranchs, 2) compare life history assessment techniques, 3) discuss possible implications of increased variability among life history characteristics, and 4) publish a special journal issue highlighting the research presented at this elasmobranch life history symposium.
Symposium Title: Fish Habitat Conservation in the Southern Division.
Organizer(s): Scott Robinson, SARP
Format: Oral presentations, posters
Time Format: Half-day symposium
Description: The Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP) will host a half-day symposium on fish habitat conservation in the southeast. SARP’s mission is to, with partners, protect, conserve and restore aquatic resources including habitats throughout the Southeast for the continuing benefit, use and enjoyment of the American people. The symposium will address the challenges of assessing, conserving and restoring fish habitats. Speakers will present on topics such as regional habitat assessments and models, the recently completed National Fish Habitat Assessment, implementation of the Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan, advances in instream flow-habitat relationships, and fish habitat restoration projects and techniques throughout the Southern Division.
The symposium will provide valuable information for fisheries managers, biologists, anglers and other professionals, as information related to aquatic habitat conservation, aquatic nuisance species, imperil fish, inter-jurisdictional fisheries, instream flow, public use, and fisheries mitigation is provided and discussed. SARP will provide a Silver Level sponsorship and provide up to $2500 in travel and registration funds for symposium speakers from the Southern Division.
Symposium Title: An Out of Channel Experience: The Importance of Floodplain Form and Function to Southeastern Fisheries
Catherine E. Murphy, LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources
Format: Oral presentations
Description: Floodplains are key components of aquatic ecosystems, providing a mechanism of energy and nutrient transfer between the aquatic and terrestrial zones. Periods of floodplain inundation provide access to valuable feeding and spawning areas for aquatic biota. However, anthropogenic modifications to floodplain morphology, function, and main stem connectivity are threatening the biotic integrity in many of these ecosystems. Although the physical and chemical characteristics of floodplain habitats vary, lessons from individual systems provide valuable insights into the role of floodplains in aquatic ecosystem function. Symposium speakers will present current research on a wide range of topics from various floodplain ecosystems throughout the southeastern U.S., highlighting their biological and ecological functions and importance.