Feb 2-8, 2013 - 33rd Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation

The Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, hosted every year by the International Sea Turtle Society (ISTS) is a unique event that draws participants from around the world, from across disciplines and cultures to a common interest and objective: sea turtle conservation. The Symposium encourages discussion, debate, and the sharing of knowledge, research techniques and lessons in conservation to address questions on the biology and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats. The 33rd Annual Symposium will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, which is within the National Capital Region- a hub for important scientific research, policy and decision-making by the nation's government and many leading conservation organizations. The pioneering 1st World Conference on Sea Turtle Conservation was held in Washington, D.C., 26-30 November 1979 and now, just over 33 years later, a major sea turtle meeting will revisit the National Capital Region.

Baltimore is located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic States, where nearly one-third of the U.S. population resides. The city is well situated for visitors arriving by car (just off I-95), it is only 15 minutes from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and it is a main train station along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. Baltimore offers visitors many great activities in the city and the opportunity to explore its rich cultural history; you can tour the home of the American National Anthem at Fort McHenry, eat world-famous Maryland crabs and seafood, explore the Maryland Science Center and numerous local museums, or spend time in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. You'll definitely want to visit the amazing facilities of the National Aquarium in Baltimore. As a partner to ISTS in promoting conservation of global aquatic resources, the Aquarium is a major host-sponsor for the 33rd Symposium. Our meeting facility, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, has over 800 guest rooms with great views of the city and the Inner Harbor. The well-appointed conference facilities and meeting halls, as well as proximity to urban recreation, will promote interaction with other delegates, networking and catching up with old friends and colleagues.

For the 2013 Symposium we expect over 1000 participants from more than 75 countries around the world. This year the Symposium will focus on Connections in sea turtle biology, research and conservation: marine turtle ecological interactions, linkages among scientists, coastal communities, turtles, humans, consumptive and non-consumptive use, collaborative research, community-based conservation, policy-makers, and managers, and any that YOU may care to share. From February 2nd to 4th, we will convene and host several regional meetings and special workshops that will enrich our knowledge and complement our capacities for reaching our conservation goals, and have some unique opportunities to interact with the local community. An exciting and greatly expanded Terrapin, Tortoise, and Freshwater Turtle Meeting will also be held on those days. On February 5th through 8th we will have the themed oral and poster sessions, an outstanding group of returning and new Exhibitors and Vendors, traditional Symposium activities, and a few new things as well!

Sea turtles have been an integral part of ecosystems for over 60 million years, and have been linked with humans throughout recorded history. In 2013 we hope to explore, discuss, and expand upon these connections at our unique and exciting venue in Baltimore. So register now, book your accommodations, and submit your abstracts at the linked web pages and "connect" with your sea turtle community in February!

Find out more HERE.