Session Topics

EMECS 9 Organizers are seeking abstracts that represent the following session topics. Abstract submitters are encouraged to address one of the main conference themes in their abstract, however they are not limited to these session recommendations and may indicate during the submission process an alternative session topic.

Accountability: measuring progress toward sustainable and integrated coastal seas management; tools for measuring progress and reporting results; understanding trajectories of change

Case studies in goal setting for sustainable management of natural resources
Integrated monitoring and modeling approaches to provide measurements or statistics to aid in accountability
Accounting for non-point source pollutant reductions in watersheds draining to coastal seas (TMDLs and other approaches)
The regulatory landscape: Case studies from around the globe showing how regulation/enforcement are applied to foster accountability
Communicating with decision-makers and the public: use of the internet, new media and other innovative approaches to engage the public so they can ensure those responsible for pollution control are held accountable for their actions

Sustainable Approaches: sharing case studies and lessons learned in coastal seas restoration, pollution prevention, and long-term protection; adapting to climate change; and valuing business and economics in coastal management

Urban coasts: New approaches for sustainability in rapidly emerging/growing coastal cities
Best management practices for coastal sustainability in diverse watersheds; Case Studies
Ecosystem based fisheries management; New paradigms for sustainability
Identifying ecological thresholds in coastal seas; Implications for management
New technologies for sustainable pollution control and restoration

Finance and Funding: investigating new, innovative and sustainable ways to support restoration, conservation, and pollution prevention efforts; judicious investment and methods for targeting cost-effective and innovative restoration practices

Valuation of Ecosystem Services in coastal systems; Approaches and applications
Prioritizing conservation and restoration (ecological functions and economic value) in the face of climate change and sea level rise
Environmental trading and market-based approaches for restoration and sustainability of coastal resources
Innovations in use of existing government, foundation and private sector funding mechanisms
Methods of ensuring that the most cost-effective pollution control and restoration measures are utilized

Multilateral Partnerships: assessing institutional models for shared governance and environmental stewardship; paradigms for multi-lateral partnerships between federal, state, and local government, academic institutions, businesses, and nongovernmental actors; partnerships for improved management of transboundary coastal seas

Coastal seas governance structures — analysis of successes and failures
Bringing the government, academic, non-profit and private sectors together to protect and restore our coastal seas; Case studies of novel partnerships

Innovative Education and Communication: integrating web-based technologies with creative and effective classroom and outdoor education; engaging citizens in two-way information exchange and involvement; communicating effectively to increase public awareness and citizen involvement; effective outreach through meaningful storytelling

Social networking and other approaches to energize environmental awareness
Social marketing; Case studies of successes and failures in the environmental arena
Communicating complexity: the media and coastal issues (panel discussion?)
Citizen monitoring and citizen science — Case studies
Innovations in environmental/coastal education for K-12 learners that energize the next generation
Schools and Students Partnership Special Session

Underlying Science: the latest science on the development and assessment of sustainable approaches for integrated coastal seas restoration and management