History of the Alaska Marine Science Symposium
The purpose of the first Symposium was to “provide a forum for scientists, Alaska Natives and other residents of the affected areas, environmentalists, government officials, representatives of the fishing and tourism industries, and other interested people to exchange views on the restoration of coastal habitats, fisheries, mammals, birds, recreational and cultural resources followed by question and answer sessions to encourage public comment.”
--from “Restoration following the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Proceedings of the Public Symposium,” July 1990
Hundreds of members of the marine science research community gather in Anchorage each year to see presentations on topics as diverse as benthic invertebrates, predation on killer whales and seabird/groundfish interactions. The latest modeling work is represented, as the most recent work in deciphering the mysteries of large-scale physical oceanography.
Colleagues, students and mentors connect
The annual Symposium allows researchers to re-connect with old colleagues and meet new ones. It's also an opportunity for students in marine science to connect with mentors and meet the authors of the literature that they have been studying as part of their own work.
Free registration thanks to generous support
Each year the list of attendees grows longer as word continues to spread about the Symposium's reputation as a gathering place to share innovative research. And, the ongoing support of the Symposium's many sponsors has allowed registration to remain free of charge for all who wish to attend.