On January 22-24, several hundred scientists, resource managers and environmentalists from throughout the tri-state region will descend upon Cape May, N.J., to convene at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary’s second-ever Delaware Estuary Science Conference.

For three days, these experts will deliberate regarding the current issues and future needs of the Delaware Estuary, one of the most industrialized ecosystems in the world.

In addition, the Delaware Estuary Environmental Summit, a new event occurring simultaneously with the science conference, will bring together environmental organizations and other interested parties to showcase and discuss their past activities that have resulted in environmental improvements. Participants at the summit will also have an opportunity to network with environmental scientists while discussing their respective roles in conservation.

Those in attendance will look to build on the momentum of the last conference by listening to speakers, taking part in roundtable discussions, and engaging in regular and special topic sessions.

Those interested in attending can still register by downloading and submitting registration forms available at Delaware Estuary Partnership website .

The theme of this year’s conference will be “Linking Science, Management and Policy to Set Achievable Environmental Goals in the Delaware Estuary.”

“In 2005 we brought together representatives from agencies, nonprofits, and academia, groups which rarely interact directly with one another, and this resulted in fertile discussions about science and management needs for the region,” said Dr. Danielle Kreeger, science director at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. “This time, we’ll focus our attention on how to address those needs and chart meaningful environmental targets.”

The precedent for such communication will be set forth by Keynote Speaker, Dr. Scott Nixon, professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. Among other topics, Nixon plans to discuss the national importance of the Delaware Estuary.

The desired outcomes of the conference and summit are to exchange information, address scientific needs, respond to emerging issues, identify and set environmental goals, and link science and management to policy. More than anything, however, organizers wish to build on the energy generated within the scientific and management community in 2005 and foster creative collaborations among diverse stakeholders.

Currently the cost is $200 for professionals or $110 per day, and students pay just $95. This includes admission to both the science conference and environmental summit, five meals, including three lunches and two dinners, and refreshments during frequent breaks. Room reservations and directions to this year’s venue, the Grand Hotel, can be secured by calling 800-257-8550 toll free.

The Delaware Estuary Science Conference is a biennial event, meaning the next opportunity for attendance will not take place until early 2009. For more information, please contact Natalie Ignacio at 800-445-4935, extension 104.

Event programs are available for download at Delaware Estuary Partnership website .

1/5/2007