IsoEcol Conference VI

Dr. Gabriel Bowen
As large databases of spatially explicit isotopic data and new data analysis tools have become available, new opportunities exist to exploit spatiotemporal isotopic variability as a source of information on the connectivity, variability, and sensitivity to change of ecological systems. Generation and analysis of spatially continuous maps of isotope ratios in the environment (isoscapes) is now being conducted by many research groups using diverse data and methodologies. This session will focus on ecological insights gained through understanding spatiotemporal variability in isotopes. The keynote will be given by Dr. Gabriel Bowen (from Purdue University, USA) who will provide a synthesis of exciting frontiers in ecological isoscapes and a review of the important information generated from the IsoScapes conference (Santa Barbara, CA, April 2008). Additional speakers and contributed talks in this session will share insights and broaden the scope of this exciting IsoEcol VI session.

Marine food webs are complex and diverse, but methods to understand and predict their general properties must be developed to describe human and environmental impacts on structures and processes at regional and global scales. Stable isotope data have provided valuable insights into food web properties; insights that would be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain in other ways. Our 2nd plenary speaker will be Dr. Simon Jennings and he will provide an overview of this recent research and present a talk titled ‘Marine food web ecology: insights from stable isotopes’. Simon Jennings is a Lead Scientist for the Environment and Ecosystems division at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in the UK. Simon and his colleagues spend most of their time working on applied marine science issues, to underpin advice on conservation and fisheries management. In collaboration with Universities and Research Institutes, they increasingly use stable isotope analysis to understand fishing and environmental effects on food webs and the structure and function of marine communities and ecosystems.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS & POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Due to time and space limitations, submissions for oral and poster presentations will be competitive. Morning and afternoon sessions of oral presentations (on M, Tu, Th, & F) in the Keoni Room will be broken up with coffee breaks. In addition, during the four conference days, lunch will be provided for delegates in the garden level room at the IMIN Conference Center. Poster presentations will also be held at the IMIN Conference Center during two separate evenings. An assortment of pupus and drinks (wine, beer, & soft drinks) will be provided at the poster sessions. Due to a delegate request, deaf interpreting services will be available at the majority of the daily sessions; contact the organizing committee if you require such services.

JAPANESE GARDEN, IMIN CENTER

IsoEcol VI Abstract Submission: delegates will be able to download a fillable abstract form and submit their abstracts online on March 3, 2008. The deadline for abstraction submission is May 15th, 2008.

Oral presentations will be held strictly to 15 minutes, with 5 minutes for questions. A technician will be available to help delegates download and review presentations at the conference center. Poster presentations can not be any larger than 46” by 46”.

Delegates will be able to register online on March 3, 2008

For more information on the Univeristy of Hawaii at Manoa or IMIN conference center visit http://manoa.hawaii.edu/ and http://www.eastwestcenter.org/about-ewc/conference-center, respectively.

An opening mixer will be held at the Waikiki Aquarium, right off the Waikiki Beach. This opening mixer will be a great chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones in this charming, tropical setting. The majority of the aquarium exhibits will be open to delegates during the mixer and, therefore, this event makes for a great opportunity to bring along spouses/partners and children. The Waikiki Aquarium is located within Queen Kapiolani Park, at 2777 Kalakaua Ave. on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki Beach. The Waikiki Aquarium is within easy walking distance of most (east) Waikiki hotels. This event is included in the cost of the registration.

The conference banquet will be held at Tiki’s restaurant in eastern Waikiki. This venue will provide an excellent opportunity to interact with IsoEcol delegates, discuss the past and upcoming presentations; all while enjoying excellent views of the beach, surf, and sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Delegates must purchase tickets for the conference dinner, including tickets for accompanying adults and reservations are limited (price: $65 USD).

Local Organisation Committee
Brittany Graham, Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii
Carrie Holl, Oceanic Institute, Oahu, Hawaii
Brian Popp, Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawaii
Brian Fry, Coastal Ecology Institute, Louisiana State University

Enquiries should be directed to Brittany Graham, Carrie Holl, Brian Popp, and Brian Fry at isoecol6@hawaii.edu