Marine Turtle Newsletter: ISTS Live Blue Challenge

Hopefully everyone that intended to submit an abstract for the 2008 International Sea Turtle Symposium already did, as the deadline has now passed on September 15th and we are on track for a nice, big meeting. However, it is not too late to register for the symposium, and we encourage you to do so as soon as possible in addition to booking your travel plans through Journey Mexico. Airline tickets and hotels are beginning to ll up, so don’t miss your chance. Don’t hesitate to contact us for travel advice. Travel arrangements can be made at: http://www.journeymexico.com/register.php.

Please note that if you would like to edit your registration information (ie sign up for the Opening Social or Banquet, add a vendor table, or sponsor a room or coffee-break) you can still do so until further notice.

We also would like to remind everyone of this year’s “green initiative”, called the LIVE BLUE Challenge. It seemed long overdue that annual sea turtle conferences work hard to minimize their ecological imprints, so this year we chose to take on this challenge and would like to ask all attendees for their help. What does this entail? Well, don’t forget to pack your handy camping utensils such as cups/mugs, sporks, etc. and don’t be afraid to sleep under the vast Baja night sky. We are working hard to provide sustainable, local and organic products and experiences in Loreto, including, symposium paraphernalia, seafood, tequila, and fieldtrips.

Since all events will be held in beautiful, historic downtown Loreto, everyone is encouraged to walk, ride bikes, use public transportation, share rides and enjoy the fresh air.

Please consider bringing some interesting and fabulous items for the ISTS auction. Keeping our “LIVE BLUE” theme in mind. If you would like to register for a vendor table please contact Celene Nahill (luna_bedoya@hotmail.com). Vendors will set up beginning after the January 22nd opening social and rst thing in the morning on 23rd January, with exhibit times from 9am-6pm on 23-25 January. Vendor table takedown is 25-26 January.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering at the symposium please contact Elena Finkbeiner (elena@seaturtle.org). Bilingual volunteers and people with technical expertise are needed. Please note that the International Sea Turtle Society is unable to pay registration or travel accommodations for volunteers. However, anyone who already applied for a travel grant (deadline for grant applications was on 15 September) quali es for consideration of travel aid. We are also looking for people who have extra space in their hotel rooms and vehicles to share, as we’ll have a full house in Loreto.

Safe travels to all and we hope to see you in January!