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Fishing and Benthic Habitats 2002:
Preliminary Program and Registration Brochure

Also see the Abstracts (326 kb) listed alphabetically by author

Symposium on the Effects of Fishing Activities on Benthic Habitats: Linking Geology, Biology, Socioeconomics, and Management

November 12-14, 2002

Tampa, FL

Preliminary Program and Registration Brochure
contains links to abstracts

Scientific Sessions--November 12-14, 2002
Field Trips--November 11 and 15, 2002
Welcome Reception--November 11, 2002
Florida Aquarium Open House and "Taste of the Tropics" Reception--November 12, 2002

website: http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/bh2002/

Updated September 6, 2002
See the original Preliminary Program here

Conference Co-conveners

Peter Barnes, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Regional Coastal and Marine Geology Program
James Thomas, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service

Steering Committee

Emory Anderson, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Liaison to OAR/Sea Grant
James Balsiger, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region
Mary Barber, Ecological Society of America, Director, Sustainable Biosphere Initiative
Suzanne Bolton, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Representative for NRC/OSB
Paul Dayton, University of California-San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography
Steve Gittings, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Science Coordinator, National Marine Sanctuaries System
Suzette Kimball, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Chief Biologist, Eastern Region
Justin LeBlanc, National Fisheries Institute, Vice President for Government Relations
Gary Matlock, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Director, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Larry Mayer, University of New Hampshire, Director of the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping
Barbara Moore, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Director, National Undersea Research Program
Rod Moore, West Coast Seafood Processors Association, Executive Director
Clarence Pautzke, North Pacific Research Board, Executive Director
Ghassan Rassam, American Fisheries Society, Executive Director
Michael Sissenwine, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Director, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Program Committee

Charles Adams, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science
Peter Auster, University of Connecticut, National Undersea Research Center for the North Atlantic & Great Lakes
Gary Brewer, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Leetown Science Center
Linda Deegan, Marine Biological Laboratory
Jon Dodrill, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Bureau of Marine Fisheries Management
Dave Fluharty, University of Washington & North Pacific Fisheries Management Council
Don Gordon, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Jon Heifetz, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center
Eric Powell, Rutgers University, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Page Valentine, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Field Center

Local Co-chairs

Ellen Raabe, U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Coastal & Regional Marine Studies - St. Petersburg, Florida
Chris Smith, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office - St. Petersburg, Florida

Sponsors and Participating Organizations

American Fisheries Society

Ecological Society of America

U.S.Geological Survey:

Biological Resources Division

Geological Division

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

National Marine Fisheries Service

Office of Habitat Conservation

Office of Science and Technology

Office of Sustainable Fisheries

Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research

National Sea Grant Program

National Undersea Research Program

National Ocean Service

National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science

Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management

We wish to thank the Homeland Foundation for their generous support of this symposium and the publication of the proceedings.

Dear Colleagues:

We are pleased to invite you to a Symposium on the Effects of Fishing Activities on Benthic Habitats:  Linking Geology, Biology, Socioeconomics, and Management, convened by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the American Fisheries Society and the Ecological Society of America. The Symposium is designed to facilitate communication among scientists, managers, and fishing industry representatives who share a common interest in sustainable fisheries and healthy, diverse ecosystems.  Most importantly, this convocation of leading experts in their fields is designed to address the pressing issues of fishing and habitat alteration that challenge managers, practitioners, and ocean scientists.

Fishery resource managers face the challenge of ensuring sustainable fisheries and maintaining healthy diverse ecosystems.  This challenge can be met by advancing the scientific knowledge available to resource managers to evaluate and appropriately manage fishing activities that affect benthic habitat.  Scientific studies in the fields of geology, biology, economics, and social sciences can be integrated to provide information for making management decisions. In response to this challenge, NOAA and USGS have been working together to develop benthic habitat research initiatives focused on the effects of fishing gear and the linkage between biological resources and the geology of benthic habitats.  The Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996 directed fishery managers to minimize to the extent practicable adverse effects of fishing activities on habitat.  In addition, the National Research Council has recently completed a study, "Effects of Trawling and Dredging on Seafloor Habitat."  Finally, many new technologies are available for mapping as well as understanding physical and biologic linkages and change to offshore benthic habitat.

The Symposium will feature three days of plenary sessions covering management and livelihood issues, characterizing and understanding natural change to bottom habitats, understanding the ecological and economic effects of fishing, and minimizing the adverse effects of fishing on benthic habitats.  These topics will be introduced by one or more invited speakers who will provide a national/international overview.  Lead speaker presentations will be followed by contributed oral presentations.  An extensive poster session with contributed posters will focus on Symposium themes.  Posters offer an excellent opportunity for extended informal discussion on cutting-edge results and ideas. Our deliberations will culminate in a moderated panel of lively debaters with different perspectives to make sense out of it all (i.e., lessens learned, and where do we go from here).  There are also exciting Field Trip opportunities to complement the scientific program.  A Symposium Proceedings will be published as a special peer-reviewed volume by the American Fisheries Society.

The Symposium will be held at the Doubletree Westshore Hotel in Tampa Bay, Florida, November 12-14, 2002.  We hope you will examine the following Preliminary Program, join us in November, and contribute to the success of the Symposium.

James P. Thomas Co-Convener NOAA
Peter W. Barnes Co-Convener USGS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preliminary Program Overview

Preliminary Symposium Program

Poster Presentations

Field Trips

Social Events

• Welcoming Reception
• Florida Aquarium Open House and Reception
• Poster Browsing and Poster Pubs
• Video Night

Information for Oral and Poster Presenters

Symposium Publications

• Instructions to Proceedings Authors

Symposium Amenities

• Coffee Breaks and Lunches
• Vegetarian Meal Policy
• Roommate and Transportation Forum
• Job Mart and Message Boards

Registration

• Registration Fees
• Payment Methods and Payment Policy
• Cancellation Policy
• Registration Refund Policy
• Symposium Registration Hours

Housing Information

• Reservations

Travel Arrangements

• Stellar Access
• Tampa International Airport
• Getting from the Airport to the Hotel

Exhibitor Opportunities

Sponsoring and Participating Organizations

• American Fisheries Society
• Ecological Society of America
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Homeland Foundation

Tampa, Florida

• Things to do in Tampa (on your own activities)
• Weather and Attire

Contacts for Information

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM OVERVIEW

PRELIMINARY SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM

Monday, November 11, 2002

9:00am - noon, FT #1 Fantasy Island/Alafia Bird Sanctuary
noon - 6:00pm, FT #2 Charter Fishing with the Directors
6:30pm - 8:00pm, Welcome Reception

Tuesday, November 12, 2002

8:00am Welcome

Introduction: Earth Sciences, Biology, and Economics in Managing Natural Resources

Session Chairs: Ghassan Rassam, American Fisheries Society, and Mary Barber, Ecological Society of America
8:15am Dr. William T. Hogarth*, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
8:30am Dr. Charles G. Groat*, Director, U.S. Geological Survey

Theme I
Defining the Issue:  Status, Management Needs, and Livelihoods

Session Chairs:  James Balsiger, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Jon Dodrill, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
8:45am Challenge of fisheries management: balancing conservation and preservation of fish habitat--Clarence Pautzke*, North Pacific Research Board
9:15am Multiple objectives, multiple players, multiple policies:  better management, or more complex paths to the same old thing?--Jake Rice*, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
9:45am Scientific advice to manage benthic fisheries in Mexico: present status and perspectives--Francisco Arreguín-Sánchez*, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas del IPN (Mexico)
10:15am break and poster browsing
10:45am Ecosystem consequences of fishing effects on benthic habitat--Simon Jennings* and S.M. Freeman, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Great Britain)
11:15am The results of the National Research Council study on the effects of bottom trawling and dredging on seafloor habitats--John Steele*¹, and S.J. Roberts²; ¹Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, ²National Research Council
11:45am Destructive fishing practices and evolution of the new fishery management paradigm--Elliott Norse*, Marine Conservation Biology Institute
12:15pm Approaches to EFH management for Alaska groundfish fisheries that fulfill habitat management objectives and maintain viable groundfish fisheries--John Gauvin*, Groundfish Forum, Inc.
12:45pm lunch and poster browsing (box lunches provided)
2:00pm Fishing communities, science, and social impacts--Bonnie McCay*, Rutgers University

Theme II
Setting the Stage:  Characterization and Understanding Natural Change

Benthic Habitat Characterization and Advanced Technologies and Their Applications 

Session Chairs:  Larry Mayer, University of New Hampshire, and Page Valentine, U.S. Geological Survey
2:30pm Benthic habitat mapping with advanced technologies and their application--James Gardner*¹ and L.A. Mayer²; ¹U.S. Geological Survey, ²University of New Hampshire
3:00pm Fisheries habitat studies: combining high-resolution physical and biological data--W. Waldo Wakefield*, National Marine Fisheries Service
3:30pmbreak and poster browsing
4:00pm Sea floor mapping on the Scotian Shelf and the Gulf of Maine: implications for the management of ocean resources--Richard Pickrill* and B.J. Todd, Geological Survey of Canada
4:15pm Seabed classification with multibeam sonars for mapping benthic habitat--J.M. Preston¹, A.C. Christney¹, William Collins*¹, and B.D. Bornhold²; ¹Quester Tangent Corporation, ²Coastal and Ocean Resources, Inc.
4:30pm Fast-track methods for assessing trawl impacts--Roger Coggan*^2,4, C.J. Smith³, R.J.A. Atkinson², K.-N. Papadopoulou³, T.D.I. Stevenson², P.G. Moore², and I.D. Tuck⁴; ¹CEFAS Laboratory (United Kingdom), ²University Marine Biological Station (Scotland), ³Institute of Marine Biology of Crete, ⁴Fisheries Research Service Marine Laboratory (Scotland)
4:45pm break
5:00-7:00pm  Poster Pub and Raffle
7:15pm Buses depart for Florida Aquarium Open House and "Taste of the Tropics" Reception
9:30pm Buses depart for the Doubletree Westshore Hotel (return by 10:00pm)

Wednesday, November 13, 2002

Understanding Chronic and Event Driven Natural Change to Benthic Habitats

Session Chairs:  Emory Anderson, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Linda Deegan, Marine Biological Laboratory
8:00am Understanding chronic and event driven natural change to benthic habitats (physical/biological):  effect of sediment disturbance on sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC)--Elva Escobar-Briones*¹, G. Gracia¹, and G.T. Rowe²; ¹Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, ²Texas A&M University
8:30am Living with change:  response of the sea floor to natural events--Mike Field*, U.S. Geological Survey
9:00am Understanding the complex nature of fish-seagrass associations--Tara Anderson*, National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Geological Survey
9:15am Analyzing time-lapse photographs of the sea floor for changes in benthic community activity--Stace Beaulieu*¹, H. Singh¹, and K.L. Smith²; ¹Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, ²Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Linking Fisheries and Supporting Ecosystems to Benthic Habitat Character and Dynamics

Session Chairs:  Barbara Moore, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and Gary Brewer, U.S. Geological Survey
9:30am Linking fisheries to benthic habitats require observations at multiple scales--John Anderson*, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
10:00am break and poster browsing
10:15am Assessing dietary specialism and food niche breadth of cod and whiting to identify possible "essential fish habitats" in the Irish Sea, UK--Melanie Bergmann*¹, H. Hinz¹, and S.I. Rogers²; ¹University of Wales-Bangor, ² Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Great Britain)
10:30am Decreasing habitat disturbance by improving fish stock assessments:  a new method of remote species identification and quantification--Daniel Doolittle*, M.R. Patterson, Z-U. Rahman, and R. Mann, Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the College of William and Mary
10:45am Delineating essential juvenile red snapper habitat in the north central Gulf of Mexico--Will Patterson*¹, C.A. Wilson², J.H. Cowan², S.J. Bentley², and T.A. Henwood³; ¹University of South Alabama, ²Louisiana State University, ³National Marine Fisheries Service

Theme III 
Understanding the Ecological and Economic Effects of Fishing

Effects of Fishing:  Assessment and Recovery

Session Chairs:  Steve Gittings, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Jon Heifetz, National Marine Fisheries Service
11:00am Effects of fishing on benthic habitats:  assessment and recovery--Jeremy Collie*¹, J. Hermsen¹, and P. Valentine²; ¹University of Rhode Island, ²U.S. Geological Survey
11:30am Immediate effects of experimental otter trawling on the benthic assemblage of Bear Island (fishery protection zone), Barents Sea--Tina Kutti*¹, T. Høisæter¹ H.T. Rapp¹, O.B. Humborstad², S. Løkkerborg², and L. Nøttestad²; ¹University of Bergen (Norway), ²Norway Institute of Marine Research
11:45am Why fishing gear impact studies don't tell us what we need to know--Les Watling* and C. Skinder, University of Maine
12:00pm Effects of chronic bottom trawling on the size structure of soft-bottom benthic invertebrates--Robert McConnaughey*, S.E. Syrjala, and C.B. Dew, National Marine Fisheries Service
12:15pm Effects of fishing on the benthic habitat and fauna of seamounts on the Chatham Rise, New Zealand--Malcolm Clark*, A.A. Rowden, and S. O'Shea, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand)
12:30pm Spatial distribution and abundance of epifauna on adjacent soft-bottom areas open and closed to bottom trawling in the Gulf of Alaska--Robert Stone*, M.M. Masuda, and P.W. Malecha, National Marine Fisheries Service
12:45pmlunch and poster browsing (box lunches provided)

Comparison of Effects of Fishing with Effects of Natural Events and Non-Fishing Anthropogenic Impacts on Benthic Habitat

Session Chairs:  Suzette Kimball, U.S. Geological Survey, and Don Godon, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
1:45pm Comparison of effects of fishing with effects of natural events and non-fishing anthropogenic impacts on benthic habitats--Han Lindeboom*, NIOZ/ALTERRA (The Netherlands)
2:15pm Impacts of otter trawling on the gravel habitat of Western Bank, Nova Scotia--Ellen Kenchington*¹, K.D. Gilkinson¹, D.C. Gordon, Jr.¹, C. Bourbonnais¹, K.G. Macisaac¹, D.L. McKeown¹, G.B. Fader², and W.P. Vass¹; ¹Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ²Natural Resources Canada
2:30pm Did bottom trawling in Bristol Bay's red king crab broodstock refuge contribute to the collapse of Alaska's most valuable fishery?--C. Braxton Dew* and R.A. McConnaughey, National Marine Fisheries Service
2:45pm Scaling of natural and anthropogenic disturbance on the New York Bight shelf:  implications for tilefish communities of the shallow continental slope--Mark Sullivan*¹, R.K. Cowen¹, K.W. Able², and M.P. Fahay³; ¹University of Miami, ²Rutgers University, ³National Marine Fisheries Service
3:00pm break and poster browsing

Extrapolation/Scaling Up of Local and Chronic Effects of Fishing and Non-fishing Events to Regions and Time Scales Significant to Sustainable Fishery Populations and Supporting Ecosystems/Habitats

Session Chairs:  Gary Matlock, National Ocean Service, and Eric Powell, Rutgers University
3:30pm Spatial and temporal scales of disturbance to the seafloor: a generalised framework for active habitat management--Simon Thrush*, C. Lundquist, and J.E. Hewitt, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand)
4:00pm Spatial distribution of fishing activity for principal commercial fishing gears used in the Northeast region of the United States, 1995-2000--David Stevenson*, National Marine Fisheries Service
4:15pm Muddy thinking:  ecosystem based management of marine benthos--Chris Frid*, L.A. Robinson, and J. Bremner, University of Newcastle upon Tyne (Great Britain)
4:30pm Structure and use of a continental slope seascape: insights for the fishing industry and marine resource managers--Alan Williams*, B. Barker, R.J. Kloser, N.J. Bax, and A.J. Butler, CSIRO Marine Research (Australia)
4:45pm break
5:00-7:00pm  Poster Pub and Raffle
8:00-9:30pm  Video Night

Thursday, November 14, 2002

Social and Economic Issues and Effects

Session Chairs:  Suzanne Bolton, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Chuck Adams, University of Florida
8:00am  Impacts of marine reserves: how fishermen behavior matters--James Wilen*, University of California, Davis
8:30am The role of human values, perceptions, and ethics of the marine environment--Stephen Kellert*, Yale University
9:00am Place matters: spatial tools for assessing the socioeconomic implications of marine resource management measures on the Pacific coast--Astrid Scholz*, J. Mertens, C. Steinbach, M. Bellman, and D. Sohm, Ecotrust
9:15am Occupational endurance and contested resources:  managing the cultural and economic tensions of Lake Michigan's commercial fishery--Michael Chiarappa*, Western Michigan University

Determinations of "To the Extent Practicable" Phrase in U.S. Law and Other Legal Issues Concerning Fishing Effects

Session Chairs:  Rod Moore, West Coast Seafood Processors Association, and Dave Fluharty, University of Washington
9:30am The legal requirement to address fishing effects on Essential Fish Habitat: thresholds, qualifiers, and the burden of proof--Alison Rieser*, University of Maine School of Law
10:00ambreak and poster browsing

Theme IV 
Minimizing the Adverse Effects of Fishing on Benthic Habitats: Lessons Learned

Alternate Fishing Techniques and Policies:  Lessons Learned

Session Chairs:  James Balsiger, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Justin LeBlanc, National Fisheries Institute
10:30am Approaches to minimizing impacts of fishing activities on benthic habitats--Michael Fogarty*, National Marine Fisheries Service
11:00am A paradigm for the management of fish habitat based on vulnerability and availability, and an assessment of the impact of fishers on habitat and habitat protection on fishers--Joseph DeAlteris* and L.G. Skrobe, University of Rhode Island
11:15am Fishing for shellfish in an internationally important nature reserve:  do current policies achieve their objectives?--Bruno Ens*¹, A.C. Smaal², and J. De Vlas³; ¹ALTERRA (The Netherlands), ²Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research, ³National Institute for Coastal and Marine Management (The Netherlands)
11:30am Biological and socio-economic implications of a limited access fishery management system--Robert Blyth*¹, M.J. Kaiser¹, G. Edwards-Jones¹, and P.J.B. Hart²; ¹University of Wales-Bangor, ²University of Leicester (Great Britain)
11:45am The characteristics and function of commercial fishing gears:  how these relate to their effects on seafloor habitats and the pursuit of ways to minimize effects--Craig Rose*, National Marine Fisheries Service
12:00pm lunch and poster browsing (box lunches provided)
1:00pmPoster Session

Theme V
What Next?:  What have we Learned?--What more do we need to know?--What should we act on right now?

2:00pm Moderated Panel and Open Discussion

Moderator:  Michael Sissenwine, Director, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service
Panel: John Gauvin, Groundfish Forum, Inc.; Elliott Norse, Marine Conservation Biology Institute; Clarence Pautzke, North Pacific Research Board; Nils Stolpe, Garden State Seafood Association; and Simon Thrush, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
The Symposium will conclude with a powerful summary panel discussion where the different points of view expressed during the symposium will be further evaluated, in the context of the future, by representatives of industry, science, management, and the environment. Frank participation by the symposium audience will be encouraged. The outcome from this session will pull together the many different suggestions and points of view presented during the discussion for future consideration.
4:00pm Closing Remarks
4:30pm Adjourn

Friday, November 15, 2002

8:00am-5:30pm FT #3 NOAA Oil Spill Restoration/Maderia Beach Seafood Company/Fort DeSoto/USGS Center for Coastal & Regional Marine Studies
9:00am-4:00pm FT #4 USGS Research at the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve

*  Presenting author

Invited speakers bold

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Benthic Habitat Characterization and Advanced Technologies and Their Applications

• Benthic habitat in the Gulf of Alaska: biological communities, geological habitat, and fishing intensity--Jon Heifetz*¹, D.L. Courtney¹, J.T. Fujioka¹, H.G. Greene², P. Malecha¹, and R.P. Stone¹; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
• A system for classification of habitats in estuarine and marine environments: Florida perspective--Kevin Madley*, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Regional habitat classification as applied to the marine sublittoral of northeastern North America--Page Valentine*¹, B.R. Todd², and V.E. Kostylev²; ¹U.S. Geological Survey, ²Geological Survey of Canada
• Mapping and characterizing subtidal oyster reefs using GIS and underwater videography--Ray Grizzle*, L.G. Ward, and J.R. Adams, University of New Hampshire
• Characterization of benthic habitat on eastern Georges Bank--Valdimir Kostylev*¹, B.J. Todd¹, O. Longva², and P.C. Valentine³; ¹Geological Survey of Canada, ²Geological Survey of Norway, ³U.S. Geological Survey
• Determining seabed characteristics through multi-beam echosounder system backscatter analysis and digital terrain models--Doug Lockhart*, R.J. Pawlowski, and E. Saade, Thales GeoSolutions (Pacific), Inc.
• Mapping rocky habitat using textural analysis of sidescan sonar images--Guy Cochrane*, U.S. Geological Survey
• The use of field calibrated side-scan acoustic reflectance patterns to quantify and track alterations to benthic habitat associated with Louisiana's oyster industry--Charles Wilson*, H. Roberts, Y. Allen, and J. Supan, Louisiana State University
• Using laser technology to characterize substrate morphology of lake trout spawning habitat in Northern Lake Michigan--Peter Barnes*, G.W. Fleischer, J.V. Gardner, and K.M. Lee, U.S. Geological Survey
• Benthic habitat characterization of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary using sidescan, multibeam and GIS techniques--Clark Alexander*¹, G. McFall², T. Battista³, and R. Bohne²; ¹Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, ²Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary, ³National Ocean Service
• Using lasers to investigate deepwater habitats in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off central California--Churchill Grimes*¹, M. Yoklavich¹, W. Wakefield¹, and H.G. Greene²; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
• Characterization of coastal Great Lakes benthic habitat--Stephen Lozano*¹, M. Blouin², and N. Wattrus³; ¹NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, ²U.S. Geological Survey, ³University of Minnesota
• Sampling macrozoobenthos from zebra mussel communities in Lake Erie--Gregory Kennedy*¹, M.C. Fabrizio², M.A. Blouin¹, J.F. Savino¹; ¹U.S. Geological Survey, ²National Marine Fisheries Service
• Quantitative measures of acoustic diversity to support benthic habitat characterization--J.M. Preston¹, A.C. Christney¹, William T. Collins*¹, and R.A. McConnaughey²; ¹Quester Tangent Corporation, ²National Marine Fisheries Science Center
• Mapping seagrass boundaries with waveform-resolving lidar: a preliminary assessment--Tonya Clayton*¹, J.C. Brock¹, and C.W. Wright²; ¹U.S. Geological Survey, ²National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• An assessment of fish and invertebrate communities along trans-Pacific cable lines: a pilot study with implications for marine reserve planning--T.D. Hart* and S.S. Heppell, Oregon State University
• Distribution of acoustic backscatter imagery from NOAA hydrographic surveys--Jeffery Brown*, D.W. Pritchard, and G.T. Noll, National Ocean Service
• Fluorescence imaging laser line scan (FILLS) imagery for high-resolution benthic habitat characterization--Michael Strand*, Naval Surface Warfare Center
• Quantitative seafloor habitat classification using GIS terrain analysis: effects of data density, resolution, and scale--P. Iampietro and Rikk Kvitek*, California State University Monterey Bay
• usSEABED: towards unifying knowledge of geological controls on benthic habitats--J.A. Reid*¹, C.J. Jenkins², M.E. Field¹, M. Zimmerman³, S.J. Williams¹, J.M. Currence¹, C.E. Box¹, and J.V. Gardner¹; ¹U.S. Geological Survey, ²University of Colorado, ³National Marine Fisheries Service

Understanding Chronic and Event Driven Natural Change to Benthic Habitats

• Fishing effects on habitat: the potential consequences of removing such habitat engineers as red grouper (Epinephelus morio)--Felicia Coleman*¹, C.C. Koenig¹, M.W. Miller², S.A. Heppell³, S.S. Heppell³, and K. Scanlon⁴; ¹Florida State University, ²National Marine Fisheries Service, ³Oregon State University, ⁴U.S. Geological Survey
• Effects of ice gouging on community structure and the abundance of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis): disturbance does not necessarily mean negative fisheries effects--Philip Hooge*, P.R. Carlson, and G.R. Cochran, U.S. Geological Survey
• Biodiversity changes in space and time in the Gulf of Alaska: an ecosystem measure of fishing effects on habitat--Rebecca Reuter* and S. Gaichas, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Extensive iceberg reworking of lower Glacier Bay sediments provides unexpected geohabitat--Paul Carlson*, P.N. Hooge, A. Stevenson, G. Cochrane, and P. Dartnell, U.S. Geological Survey
• Geologic development and longevity of continental shelf mudbelt habitat during the Holocene in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California--Eric Grossman*, M.E. Field, and S.L. Eittreim, U.S. Geological Survey

Linking Fisheries and Supporting Ecosystems to Benthic Habitat Character and Dynamics

• Quantitative ground-truthing of biological habitat characteristics using video mosaic images--Randy Cutter*, L.A. Mayer, Y. Rzhanov, and R. Grizzle, University of New Hampshire
• Fish landings, discards and benthic material from otter trawling in the western English Channel--Stephen Cotterell, University of Plymouth (Great Britain)
• Habitat associations of upper slope rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) and co-occurring demersal fishes in Ascension Canyon, California--J.J. Bizzarro¹, Jeffrey Field*¹, H.G. Greene¹, R.N. Lea², and J. deMarignac¹; ¹Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, ²California Department of Fish and Game
• Small-scale analysis of subtidal fish guilds and associated habitat characteristics along central California--Jeffery Field*¹, M.M. Yoklavich², G.M. Cailliet¹, S. Bros³, J. deMarignac¹, and R.N. Lea⁴; ¹Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, ²National Marine Fisheries Service, ³San Jose State University, ⁴California Department of Fish and Game
• Biological traits of the North Sea benthos:  does fishing affect benthic ecosystem function?--Julie Bremner*¹, C.L.J. Frid¹, and S.I. Rogers²; ¹University of New Castle upon Tyne (Great Britain), ²Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Great Britain)
• Living substrates in Alaska: distribution, abundance and species associations--Patrick Malecha*, R.P. Stone, and J. Heifetz, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Data sets relevant to identification of essential fish habitat (EFH) on the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf and for estimation of effects of shrimp trawling gear--Phil Caldwell* and P. Sheridan, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Geoacoustic and geological characterization of juvenile red snapper habitat; Northern Gulf of Mexico Continental Shelf--Sam Bentley*¹, W.F. Patterson², Y. Allen¹, W. Vienne¹, and C. Wilson¹; ¹Louisiana State University, ²Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory
• Recognizing habitat modifications by fish in the Gulf of Mexico--Kathryn Scanlon*¹, F.C. Coleman², and C.C. Koenig²; ¹U.S. Geological Survey, ²Florida State University
• Linking predator and prey species dynamics in deep-water reefs of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico--Paul Thurman*¹, G. Dennis², K. Sulak², and R.S. McBride¹; ¹Florida Marine Research Institute, ²U.S. Geological Survey
• Effects of Fishing on the mid-Atlantic tilefish habitat: restructuring a structured habitat--Vincent Guida*¹, P.C. Valentine², and F. Almedia¹; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²U.S. Geological Survey
• Habitat and species associations of fish, megafauna and benthic infauna in the New York Bight apex--Sukwoo Chang*, J. Vitaliano, and F. Steimle, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Integration of acoustic seabed classification and fish census data for determining appropriate boundaries of marine protected areas--Arthur Gleason*¹, A.-M. Eklund², R.P. Reid¹, D.E. Harper², D.B. McClellan², J. Schull²; ¹University of Miami, ²National Marine Fisheries Service
• The sensitivity of fish and macro-epifauna to habitat change: an analytical approach--Steven Freeman* and S.I. Rogers, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Great Britain)
• Development of an electronic logbook to assess shrimp-trawl catch, effort, and associated environmental data in areas fished off Florida and Texas--Peter Rubec*, A. Jackson, C. Ashbaugh, and S. Versaggi, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Effects of Fishing:  Assessment and Recovery

• Ecological consequences of lost habitat structure for commercially significant flatfishes: habitat choice and vulnerability to predators--Allan Stoner*, C.L. Ryer, and R.A. McConnaughey, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Deep-sea trawling impacts on the benthic ecosystem along the Northern European Continental Margin--J.D. Gage*¹, J.M. Roberts¹, J. Humphrey², and P.A. Lamont¹; ¹Scottish Association for Marine Science, ²Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (Great Britain)
• Effects of 135 years of oyster (Ostrea chilensis) fishing on the benthic habitat, associated macrofaunal assemblages, and sediments of Foveaux Strait, New Zealand--H.J. Cranfield*, K.P. Michael, G. Carbines, D.P. Gordon, B. Manighetti, A. Dunn, and A.A. Rowden, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand)
• Effect of lobster traps on seagrass beds of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS): damage assessment and evaluation of recovery--Amy Uhrin*¹, M.S. Fonseca¹, and G.P. Didomenico²; ¹National Ocean Service, ²Monroe County Commercial Fisherman
• The effect of different types of otter trawl groundrope on benthic nutrient fluxes and sediment biogeochemistry--Costas Dounas*¹, J. Davies², P. Hayes², C. Arvanitidis¹, and P. Koulouri¹; ¹Institute of Marine Biology of Crete (Greece), ²Fisheries Research Services (United Kingdom)
• Preliminary results on the effect of otter trawling on hyberbenthic communities in Heraklion Bay (Eastern Mediterranean, Cretan Sea)--Panayota Koulouri*¹, C. Dounas¹, and A. Eleftheriou²; ¹Institute of Marine Biology of Crete (Greece), ²University of Crete (Greece)
• Effect of shrimp trawling on snow crab resource in the Northwest Atlantic--Gerry Brothers*¹ and J.J. Foster²; ¹Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ²Aquaprojects, Inc (Canada).
• The impact of bottom fishing on early diagenetic transformations and benthic nutrient exchange--Philip Percival*, C.L.J. Frid, and R.C. Upstill-Goddard, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Great Britain)
• Reduction of species diversity in a cobble habitat subject to long-term fishing activity--Les Watling* and A. Pugh, University of Maine
• Impacts of scallop dredging on marine bottom complexity and juvenile fish habitat--Frédéric Hartog*¹, P. Archambault¹, and L. Fortier²; ¹Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ²Univeristé Laval (Canada)
• The impact of scallop dredging on the American lobster (Homarus americanus) in the Baie des Chaleurs, Canada--Philippe Archambault* and L. Gendron, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Impacts to coral reef benthos from lobster trap gear in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary--Mark Chiappone*¹, D.W. Swanson², and S.L. Miller¹; ¹University of North Carolina-Wilmington, ²University of Miami
• Spatial distribution and benthic impacts from hook-and-line fishing gear in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary--Mark Chiappone*¹, D.W. Swanson², and S.L. Miller¹; ¹University of North Carolina-Wilmington, ²University of Miami
• Physical and biological effects of shrimp trawling on soft sediment habitats in the Gulf of Maine--Anne Simpson* and L. Watling, University of Maine
• Impacts of mobile fishing gear on sponges and gorgonian corals in the Gulf of Alaska--Linc Freese*, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Evidence of fisheries damage to deep-water gorgonians in the Northeast Channel between Georges and Browns Banks, Nova Scotia--Pal Mortenson*¹, L. Buhl-Mortenson¹, D.C. Gordon, Jr.¹, G.B. Fader², D.M. McKeown¹, and D.G. Fenton¹; ¹Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ²Natural Resources Canada
• Trawl fishing disturbance and medium-term recolonization dynamics: comparison between sandy and muddy habitats in the Adriatic Sea (Northern Mediterranean Sea)--Fabio Pranovi*¹, S. Raicevich¹, F. Da Ponte¹, and O. Giovanardi²; ¹Università Ca' Foscari (Italy), ²Istituto Centrale per la Ricerca Scientifica Applicata la Mare (Italy)
• Bottom trawling effects on cerianthid burrowing anemone aggregations and Acadian redfish habitats in mud to muddy gravel seabeds of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region, Gulf of Maine (Northwest Atlantic)--Page Valentine*¹, J.B. Lindholm^2,3, and P.J. Auster³; ¹U.S. Geological Survey, ²Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, ³University of Connecticut
• Analyzing the effects of trap fishing in coral reef habitats: methods and preliminary results--Ronald Hill*¹, P.F. Sheridan¹, R. S. Appeldoorn², T.R. Matthews³, and K.R. Uwate⁴; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, ³Florida Marine Research Institute, ⁴U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources
• Short-term effects of the cessation of shrimp trawling on Texas benthic habitat--Pete Sheridan*, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Ecological footprints of Scotian Shelf groundfish fisheries--Kees Zwanenburg*, M. Showell, and S. Wilson, Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Canada)
• Changes in the benthic invertebrate assemblage following the establishment of a protected area, the "plaice box"--Gerjan Piet*, J. Craeymeersch, and A.D. Rijnsdorp, Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research
• The impact of oyster dredging on blue cod in New Zealand--Glen Carbines*, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand)
• A comparison of habitat structure in fished and un-fished, mobile and immobile sand habitats on Georges Bank (Northwest Atlantic)--James Lindholm*^1,2, P.J. Auster¹, and P. Valentine³; ¹University of Connecticut, ²Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, ³U.S. Geological Survey
• Effects of fishing on organic carbon of sand habitats on Georges Bank--Vincent Guida*¹, A. Paulson¹, P.C. Valentine², and L. Arlen¹; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²U.S. Geological Survey
• The effectiveness of marine protected areas on fish and benthic fauna: how long does it take for benthic habitat to recover from fishing disturbance?--Jason Link*¹, F. Almedia¹, R. Reid¹, P. Valentine², L. Arlen¹, V. Guida¹, D. Packer¹, T. Noji¹, and J. Vitaliano¹; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²U.S. Geological Survey
• The effectiveness of marine protected areas on fish and benthic fauna: the Georges Bank closed area I example--Robert Reid*¹, F. Almedia¹, P. Valentine², L. Arlen¹, J. Cross¹, V. Guida¹, J. Link¹, D. McMillan¹, S. Muraski¹, D. Packer¹, J. Vitaliano¹, and A. Paulson¹; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²U.S. Geological Survey
• The effectiveness of marine protected areas on fish and benthic fauna: the Georges Bank closed area II example--Frank Almeida*¹, P. Valentine³, R. Reid¹, L. Arlen¹, P. Auster², J. Cross¹, V. Guida¹, J. Lindholm², J. Link¹, D. Packer¹, J. Vitaliano¹, and A. Paulson¹; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²University of Connecticut, ³U.S. Geological Survey
• The theoretical and methodological basis of estimations of the human-made influences (fishing and construction) on benthic habitats--Vladimir Emelyanov*, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
• Community and life history divergence of colonial hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from heavily trawled scallop grounds in the Bay of Fundy, eastern Canada--Lea-Anne Henry*, Dalhousie University (Canada)

Comparison of Effects of Fishing with Effects of Natural Events and Non-Fishing Anthropogenic Impacts on Benthic Habitat

• Impacts of hydraulic clam dredging on benthic macrofaunal communities on Banquereau, a fishing bank off Nova Scotia--Kent Gilkinson*¹, D.C. Gordon, Jr.¹, G.B. Fader², D.L. McKeown¹, E.L.R. Kenchington¹, D. Roddick¹, C. Bourbonnais¹, K. Macisaac¹, and W.P. Vass¹; ¹Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ²Natural Resources Canada
• Summary of the Grand Banks otter trawling experiment (1993-1995): effects on a sandy bottom habitat and community--Don Gordon, Jr.*, K.D. Gilkinson, E.L.R. Kenchington, J. Prena, C. Bourbonnais, K.G. Macisaac, D.L. McKeown, and W.P. Vass, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Shrimp and crab trawling impacts on estuarine soft-bottom organisms--Lawrence Cahoon*, M.H. Posey, W.H. Daniels, and T.D. Alphin, University of North Carolina-Wilmington
• Using sidescan sonar to assess the impact and persistence of natural and anthropogenic disturbance to low-relief oyster habitats in coastal Louisiana--Yvonne Allen*, C. Wilson, H. Roberts, and J. Supan, Louisiana State University
• Benthic perturbations from walrus foraging: are they similar to trawling?--Chadwick Jay*¹, L.C. Huff², and R.A. McConnaughey³; ¹U.S. Geological Survey, ²University of New Hampshire, ³National Marine Fisheries Service
• Survey of fishing gear and fiber optics cable impacts to benthic habitats in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary--Mary Sue Brancato* and C.E. Bowlby, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
• Impacts of trawling and wind disturbance on water column processes in the Pamlico River Estuary, North Carolina--Terry West*, D.R. Corbett, L.M. Clough, M.W. Calfee, and J.E. Frank, East Carolina University
• Comparative evaluation of natural and trawling sediment disturbance via short-lived radionuclies, in situ monitors and remote sensing techniques in the Pamlico River Estuary, North Carolina--James Frank*, D.R. Corbett, T.L. West, L.M. Clough, and M.W. Calfee, East Carolina University
• Controversy about trawling and Santa Maria Key's causeway effects on seagrass--Angel Quirós Espinosa*, M.E. Perdomo López, and R. Arias Barreto, Centro de Estudios y Servicios Ambientales
• Extrapolating extinctions and extirpations: searching for the pristine state of the benthos--Leonie Robinson* and C.L.J. Frid, University of Newcastle upon Tyne (Great Britain)
• A before-after-control-impact study of the sea scallop fishing grounds of Georges Bank--Kevin Stokesbury* and B. Harris, University of Massachusetts
• Fishing and environmental disturbance indicators in a shrimp fishing ground in the Mexican central Pacific--Enrique Godinez-Dominquez*¹, J. Freire², and G. González-Sansón³; ¹Universidad de Guadalajara (Mexico), ²Universidad de A Coruña (Spain), ³Universidad de la Habana (Cuba)
• Impacts of commercial bottom trawling on the sediment characteristics and benthic community of essential fish habitat on the inner Bering Sea shelf--Eloise Brown*¹, S. Hills¹, and M. Dommisse²; ¹University of Alaska Fairbanks, ²Monash University

Extrapolation/Scaling Up of Local and Chronic Effects of Fishing and Non-fishing Events to Regions and Time Scales Significant to Sustainable Fishery Populations and Supporting Ecosystems/Habitats

• Spatial distribution of fishing activity for principal commercial fishing gears used in the Northeast region of the United States, 1995-2000--David Stevenson*, National Marine Fisheries Service
• The spatial extent and nature of mobile bottom fishing methods within the New Zealand EEZ, 1989-90 to 1998-99--Susanjane Baird*, N.W. Bagley, B.A. Wood, A. Dunn, and M.P Beentjes, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand)
• Deepwater trawl fisheries modify benthic community structure in similar ways to fisheries in coastal systems--Martin Cryer*, B. Harthill, and S. O'Shea, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (New Zealand)
• Fine-scale distribution of groundfish populations: does habitat configuration and patchiness matter?--Tara Anderson^1,2, M.M. Yoklavich¹, S. Eittreim², R. Starr³, and L. Snook⁴; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²U.S. Geological Survey, ³California Sea Grant Extension Program, ⁴Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
• Detecting the effects of fishing on seabed community diversity: importance of scale and sample size--Michel Kaiser*, University of Wales-Bangor
• Essential fish habitat (EFH) in Alaska: issues in consistency and efficiency when using geographical information systems (GIS) to evaluate effects to EFH--Rebecca Reuter*¹, C.C. Coon², J.V. Olson¹, and M. Eagleton¹; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²North Pacific Fisheries Management Council
• Spatial and temporal distributions of trawling intensity off Alaska: connecting the small-scale issues to issues on an ecosystem scale--Craig Rose* and E.M. Jorgensen, National Marine Fisheries Service
• A GIS routine for assessing designs that sample an area of fish or lobster traps--Geoffrey Matthews*, R.L. Hill, and P.F. Sheridan, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Spatial and temporal patterns in trawling activity in the Canadian Atlantic and Pacific--David Kulka*¹ and D.A. Pitcher²; ¹Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ²Spatial Metrics Atlantic (Canada)

Social and Economic Issues and Effects

• Tradeoffs associated with the use of closed areas to conserve habitat: consideration of New England groundfish and sea scallop fisheries--H.F. Upton* and J.G. Sutinen, University of Rhode Island
• Building a database for benthic fisheries using tourist income--Geoffrey Lane, Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Promoting environmental awareness and developing conservation harvesting technology for the fishing industry--Gerry Brothers, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Development of a West Coast cooperative research program, working together towards better information--Jennifer Bloeser, Pacific Marine Conservation Council

Alternate Fishing Techniques and Policies:  Lessons Learned

• Identification and evaluation of indicators for environmental performance of European marine fisheries--Lars-Henrik Larsen*¹, A. Zenetos², and N. Streftaris²; ¹Akvaplan-niva, The Polar Environmental Centre (Norway), ²National Centre for Marine Research (Greece)
• Reducing seabed contact of bottom trawls--Pingguo He*, University of New Hampshire
• Using ideal free distribution theory to identify potential marine protected areas--Hilmar Hinz*¹, M.J. Kaiser¹, M. Bergmann¹, and S.I. Rogers²; ¹University of Wales-Bangor, ²Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Great Britain)
• Results of a workshop on the effects of fishing gear on benthic habitats off the Northeastern United States--Louis Chiarella*¹, D.K. Stevenson¹, C.D. Stephan¹, R.N. Reid¹, J.E. McCarthy¹, M.W. Pentony², T.B. Hoff³, C.D. Selberg⁴, and K.A. Johnson¹; ¹National Marine Fisheries Service, ²New England Fishery Management Council, ³Mid-Atantic Fishery Management Council, ⁴Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
• Approach to evaluating fishing effects on EFH off Alaska--David Witherell* and C. Coon, North Pacific Fishery Management Council
• Use of hydraulic clam dredges on benthic habitat off the Northeastern United States--David Wallace*¹ and T.B. Hoff²; ¹Wallace and Associates, ²Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council
• Developing a fisheries ecosystem plan for the North Sea--Chris Frid*¹, C.L. Scott¹, M.F. Borges², N. Daan⁴, T.S. Gray¹, J. Hatchard¹, L. Hill², O.A.L. Paramor¹, G.J. Piet⁴, S.A. Ragnarsson³, W. Silvert², and L. Taylor³; ¹University of Newcastle upon Tyne (Great Britain), ²Instituto Portugês de Invesigação das Pescas e do Mar (Portugal), ³Marine Research Institute (Iceland), ⁴Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research
• Florida Oculina Coral Banks:  habitat, fish populations, restoration, and enforcement--Christopher Koenig*¹, A.N. Shepard², J. Reed³, R.G. Gilmore⁴, F.C. Coleman¹, S. Brooke³, J. Brusher⁵, M. Barnette⁵, A.W. David⁵, and K. Scanlon⁶; ¹Florida State University, ²University of North Carolina-Wilmington, ³Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, ⁴Dynamac Corporation, ⁵National Marine Fisheries Service, ⁶U.S. Geological Survey
• Monitoring changes in the fully protected zones of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary--Brian Keller, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
• Changes in the epibenthos assemblages of the North Sea following the establishment of a protected area, the "plaice box"--Johan Craeymeersch* and G.J. Piet, Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research
• Rapid build-up of fish biomass, but still declining coral reefs: why a marine fishery reserve designation is not enough for the protection of reef epibenthic communities--Edwin Hernandez-Delgado* and A.M. Sabat, University of Puerto Rico
• Decision framework for describing and identifying EFH, mitigating fishing impacts and designating HAPC in Federal fishery management plans--Graeme Parkes*, H.B. Lovett, and R.J. Trumble, MRAG Americas, Inc.
• The Ocean Habitat Protection Act: overdue protection for structurally complex seafloor habitats--Hannah Gillean*, Marine Conservation Biology Institute, Oceana
• The path towards ecologically sustainable fisheries: a case study in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area--Dorothea Huber, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Australia)

*  Presenting author

FIELD TRIPS

Field Trips will be offered on Monday, November 11, 2002, and Friday, November 15, 2002.  Enrollment on all Field Trips is limited and advance registrations are required.  Field Trip registration is open to all registered Symposium participants and their registered guests.  There is a charge for Field Trips to cover transportation, activities, and beverages or lunch if applicable.  Field Trip participants will be picked up at and returned to the Doubletree Westshore Hotel. 

PLEASE NOTE:  The deadline for registration for Field Trips is Thursday, October 3, 2002.  Updates on filled or cancelled Field Trips will be posted on the website at http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/bh2002/ under News & Updates.

Field Trip participants should take careful note of each trip's departure date and time and the return date and time.  It is your responsibility to be at the front door of the Doubletree Westshore Hotel in sufficient time to check in with your Trip Leader.  If you miss your departure, we will be unable to arrange for you to join the trip en route and we will NOT refund your fee.  Please do not register for more than one Field Trip in any given time slot.  We cannot guarantee that Field Trip #1 will return in time for participants to join Field Trip #2.

Participation in Field Trips involves exposure to obvious and not-so-obvious hazards.  In recognition of the risks, ESA requires that, prior to departure on the trip, all Field Trip participants sign a Waiver of Liability acknowledging your awareness of these risks and your physical ability to participate in a Field Trip.  A Field Trip Waiver Form will be sent to you approximately one month before the Symposium.  A Waiver Form will also be posted on the Symposium website.  Please fill out the form and bring it with you to the Symposium.  You should give your completed and signed form to the Trip Leader before getting on the bus or van.  If we do not receive a signed Waiver Form from you, you will NOT be permitted to participate in the Field Trip.

FT #1 Fantasy Island/Alafia Bird Sanctuary

Monday, November 11, 2002 8:30am - 12:00pm
Field Trip Leaders:  Ilze Berzins and Becky Clayton, Florida Aquarium; Richard Paul, Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries
Tickets for registrants or guests - $30
Minimum:  25
Maximum: 38

Enjoy a two-hour tour of Tampa Bay aboard the Florida Aquarium's boat "The Bay Spirit."  The trip includes visits to two important sites in Tampa Bay: Fantasy Island and the Alafia Bird Sanctuary.

The Florida Aquarium, in cooperation with a number of environmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations has completed the first phase of a project to restore and enhance a three-acre man-made spoil island in Tampa Bay, now called Fantasy Island.  The island will be the center for ongoing environmental education programs for school students and the general public when complete.  Key initiatives include:  1) removing exotic species and replacing them with native habitats representative of the Bay; 2) building a dock to accommodate "The Bay Spirit" and a covered classroom to conduct ongoing education programs; 3) constructing nature trails throughout the island; 4) producing and installing graphics, signage, and educational kiosks throughout the restored site; and 5) performing on-going research studies related to the restoration processes.

Alafia Bank Sanctuary (Bird Island to the east; Sunken Island to the west) is located in Hillsborough Bay at the mouth of the Alafia River.  These two man-made islands were formed from spoil material when a channel that connects the main Tampa shipping channel to the Alafia River was dredged in the late 1920s.  The islands were immediately important as bird nesting sites for gulls, terns, and skimmers.  As shrubs and trees replaced low-lying vegetation, nesting herons, egrets, ibis, and later pelicans moved from the historic nesting site at Green Key. Today the islands are owned by Cargill Fertilizer, Inc., and leased to the Audubon Society for operation as a sanctuary. Each year, up to 18,000 nesting pairs of 16 to 20 species of birds nest on the Alafia Bank Sanctuary, making it one of the largest colonies in Florida and one of the most diverse colonies in the continental United States. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has listed Alafia Bank as the most important colony in the State, due to its size (number of birds nesting), longevity of nesting activity, and species diversity.

A 12-acre "Alafia Extension" was added to the west end of Sunken Island in 1977, using material from a nearby dredging project. Planted with smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and now matured to tall mangroves with tidal pools, sand and mud flats, and even small creeks and salt barrens, the extension provides safe nesting, feeding, and loafing habitats for breeding and migratory birds.

Alafia Bank is one of the key sites for nesting, migrant, and wintering birds in Tampa Bay.  Protected by the Audubon Society since the 1930s, the two islands are home to a colony of 7,000-150,00 breeding pairs of 16 species, including brown pelican, double-crested cormorant, great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, little blue heron, tricolored heron, reddish egret, cattle egret, green heron, black-crowned night-heron, yellow-crowned night-heron, white ibis, glossy ibis, roseate spoonbill, and American oystercatcher.  Island sand bars are used by large numbers of seasonal and winter visitors, including white pelicans, black-necked stilts, American avocets, red knots, short-billed dowitchers, and a number of other shorebirds, gulls and terns. While no birds will be nesting in November, participants can expect to see a wide variety of species including most of those mentioned here.

Bus transportation from the Doubletree Westshore Hotel to the Florida Aquarium's dock and beverages will be provided.

FT #2 Charter Fishing with the Directors

Monday, November 11, 2002 12:00noon-6:00pm
Field Trip Leaders: Chris Smith and Jim Thomas, National Marine Fisheries Service
Tickets for registrants or guests - $55
Minimum:  26 Maximum: 50

Join National Marine Fisheries Service Director Bill Hogarth and USGS Director Chip Groat, along with Rollie Schmitten (Director, NOAA Fisheries Office Habitat Conservation), Jack Dunnigan (Director, NOAA Fisheries Office Sustainable Fisheries), and Roy Crabtree (Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) for a half-day of fishing along the offshore reefs in the Gulf of Mexico on the Double Eagle III.  The Double Eagle III is equipped with the latest fishing and safety technology. Onboard amenities include clean restrooms and a galley that offers a variety of lunch and beverage items.

Bus transportation from the Doubletree Westshore Hotel to the Clearwater marina will be provided. Snacks and lunches can be purchased on the Double Eagle III. The bus will return to the Doubletree Westshore Hotel in time for the Welcome Reception.

FT #3 NOAA Oil Spill Restoration/Maderia Beach Seafood Company/Fort DeSoto/USGS Center for Coastal & Regional Marine Studies

Friday, November 15, 2002 8:00am - 5:30pm
Field Trip Leaders:  John Iliff, the coordinator of the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Restoration Center Office; Bobby Spaeth, Madeira Beach Seafood Company, and Dennis Krohn, USGS Center for Coastal & Regional Marine Studies
Tickets for registrants or guests - $35
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 40

NOAA Oil Spill Restoration Projects--On August 10, 1993, an outbound freighter collided with two inbound barges laden with petroleum products near the entrance to Tampa Bay.  One of the barges caught on fire upon impact and burned for 18 hours.  During that period, approximately 32,000 gallons of jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline and nearly 330,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil spilled from the barges. State and federal officials have settled with the responsible parties on a plan to restore injured natural resources to compensate the public for lost recreational use of beaches and natural resources. Under the agreement, the responsible parties are paying over $8 million to resolve government claims, including the costs of cleanup, damage assessment, and natural resources restoration.  More than 25 restoration projects have been completed or initiated as part of that settlement. This trip includes visits to at least three of those project sites: 1) the Cross Bayou site where the responsible party was required to restore nearly 11 acres of degraded mangrove habitat; 2) the War Veterans Memorial Park at Bay Pines where Pinellas County is using $300,000 to construct an oyster reef; and 3) a site in Madeira Beach where $400,000 is being used to develop a shoreline nature park.  Participants will also pass several other sites included in the settlement on the way to Fort DeSoto Park.  Trip leaders will point these out and stops may be included if time permits.

Madeira Beach Seafood Company--See working fishing boats that are primarily outfitted with longline and bandit gear for working in the Gulf of Mexico reef fish fishery.  Interpreters will be on hand to explain the fishing process and the handling of the catch from the time it is caught until it is distributed.

Fort DeSoto Park--Enjoy lunch in the largest park within the Pinellas County Park System. This park consists of 900 acres made up of five interconnected islands.  First opened on December 21, 1962, this park has entertained over 62,000,000 visitors.  It was dedicated May 11, 1963, in perpetuity as a public park.  The battery of 12-inch mortars, located at the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on February 7, 1978.  Adding to the historical interest at Fort DeSoto, two British breech-loading, rapid-fire cannons of 1890 vintage were installed in March 1982.  A stroll along the one-mile nature trail provides a glimpse of some the native fauna and flora.  Participants may relax in the sunshine on one of the park's two beaches that are consistently rated among the top ten in the nation.  More information on Fort DeSoto Park is available on their website at http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/fort_de_soto_park.htm.

USGS Center for Coastal & Regional Marine Studies--This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Research Center in St. Petersburg houses a myriad of research on coastal and marine geology and the South Florida ecosystem.  Research activities include:  coral mortality and African dust; satellite imagery and remote sensing; coastal assessment of shoreline change; submerged and subsurface characterization; coastal hazards; fish ecology; and sedimentation, sea-level rise, and circulation in Florida Bay. The tour will highlight many of these research projects and the facilities and technologies being used.  For more information see: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/.

Bus transportation will depart from and return to the Doubletree Westshore Hotel.  Box lunches and beverages will be provided.

FT #4 USGS Research at the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve

Friday, November 15, 2002 9:00am - 4:00pm
Field Trip Leaders: Kim Yates and Terry Edgar, USGS
Tickets for registrants or guests - $85
Minimum:  25
Maximum: 42

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride in Tampa Bay to Bishop Harbor aboard the comfortable John's Pass Express.  Get "hands on" and "wading wet" experience with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Research at Terra Ceia Bay Aquatic Preserve.

Successful management of our nation's coastal resources requires an understanding of how natural and anthropogenic changes have affected coastal ecosystems in the past, and how these changes will continue to affect these resources in the future. The Tampa Bay Study uses an integrated science approach for examining the interrelations between geological, biological, chemical, and hydrological components of estuarine systems. The multiple USGS disciplines are working together with other federal, state, and local partners on this project.  For more information, please visit the project website at http://gulfsci.usgs.gov/tampabay/.

Participants will visit research activities and discuss with researchers, the different biological, chemical and geological aspects of the Tampa Bay study along the coast in the shallow waters of the Terra Ceia Preserve, which has a history of agricultural use. Tidal channels provide year-round habitat for resident fishes as well as nursery habitat for transient fishes that are spawned offshore (these include anchovies, silversides, and menhaden--all schooling species--as well as small juveniles of mullet, sheepshead, and spot).  A key element of the study involves measuring productivity and nutrient cycling of ecosystem species including benthic communities using geochemical and incubation chamber technology (SHARQ) in seagrass habitat.  Participants will hear from the Preserve Manager about the aquatic and benthic habitats.  In addition, we will see demonstrations on wetland and nursery configuration, alterations, and history; mangrove vegetation and species utilization; water character and quality; and wetland, coastal, and seagrass fish species linkages.

Bus transportation from the Doubletree Westshore Hotel to the boat dock at Cockroach Bay, lunches, and beverages will be provided.  Come prepared to get wet!  Participants should dress appropriately for wading in knee-deep water, including old tennis shoes or diving boots for water walking.  Bringing a towel is recommended.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Welcome Reception
Monday, November 11, 2002, 6:30-8:00pm

Warm-up for an exciting week at the Symposium Welcome Reception. Meet your friends and find out who else is attending. This event offers a great opportunity to make those important personal links between Geology, Biology, Socioeconomics, and Management. Enjoy a delightful display of hors d'oeuvres and hosted beer, wine, and soft drinks poolside at the Doubletree Westshore Hotel.

Florida Aquarium Open House and "Taste of the Tropics" Reception
Tuesday, November 12, 2002, 7:15-9:30pm

During this special event, you may socialize and stroll through the award-winning exhibits of the Florida Aquarium. The Florida Aquarium is a world-class facility located on the downtown Tampa waterfront channel. The Aquarium features over 10,000 live plants and animals in four "environmental" galleries: Wetlands (a Mangrove ecosystem), Bays and Beaches, Coral Reefs, and Offshore (Underwater ecosystems). Your evening will start with a tour of the Galleries while sampling "Floribbean" fare and grooving to the lively beat of steel drums. Enjoy a buffet of the wonderful fruits, vegetables, seafood and cuisine from Florida, the Islands, and Cuba. Cash Bars will be available to purchase the libation of your choice. Bus transportation will be provided between the Doubletree Westshore Hotel and the Florida Aquarium. Buses will depart the Doubletree Westshore Hotel for the Florida Aquarium at 7:15pm and will depart from the Florida Aquarium at 9:30pm to return to the hotel by 10:00pm.

Poster Browsing and Poster Pubs

The 100+ posters being presented on the latest geological, biological, and socioeconomic research and management approaches contain the core of contributed materials to the Symposium.  The poster sessions will allow participants to see and discuss the full breadth and depth of current research and knowledge on Symposium themes.  All posters will be available for viewing from 7:00am to 7:00pm each day. Coffee breaks and lunches will be served near the poster rooms to allow for casual viewing during the day.

On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 5:00pm and 7:00pm, join your colleagues for informative, yet informal, Poster Pubs.  These Poster Pubs will take place without competition from other sessions. Discuss state-of-the-art science and management with the authors.  Enjoy scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and a Cash Bar.  Take a chance at winning a rod and reel, fishing CD, or other door prizes. (must be present to win!)  Rods and fishing CDs have been donated by the National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Recreational Fishing.

Video Night
Wednesday, November 13, 2002, 8:00-9:30pm

Here's a chance to showcase the video footage and still photos (slides or overheads) you've collected during your research and management activities that illustrate the major themes of the Symposium. We're looking for short clips (5 to 10 minutes) of video of benthic habitats, benthic communities, impacts of fishing gear, fishing gear in operation, and innovative approaches. If you are interested in sharing your video or still photos with other Symposium participants, please send by Thursday, October 3, 2002, to benthic@esa.org the following information: 

• your name, institution, and email address;
• subject matter of video or still photos and related symposium theme;
• length of video in minutes (or number of still photos); and
• format of video or still photos--we will have a TV/VCR and LCD projector available, as well as a slide and overhead projector.

Churchill Grimes, Video Night Chair, will organize the submissions into an exciting night of clips and discussion.

Don't have a video to share? Come watch your colleagues' videos and share in the discussion and networking opportunities. Popcorn and a cash bar will be provided!  While there is no charge for this activity, participants are asked to pre-register to ensure that adequate preparations are made.  Please indicate on the Symposium Registration Form (Section G) if you plan to attend.

INFORMATION FOR ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTERS

Oral Presentations

You will be given a TOTAL of 15 minutes for your presentation; this should include approximately 2 to 3 minutes for introduction and questions at the end of your talk.  Due to the number of presentations, it is imperative that you stay within your allotted time.  The Session Chair will give you a warning as you approach the end of your allotted time and stop you when you've reached your limit in order to keep the Symposium on schedule.  In fairness to others, we ask and expect that you will adhere to these rules.

The following equipment will be available for your use:  an LCD projector with computer and remote control, a slide projector with remote control, an overhead projector, and a screen.  If you choose to use the LCD projector, you should bring your presentation on floppy disk or CD.  We also urge you to bring standard 35mm slides or overheads as backup for any computer-based presentation.  Please remember to allow time in your presentation to open your PowerPoint file.  There will be a volunteer projectionist to assist with projection.  Please make certain your slides and overheads can be easily read from the back of a room seating approximately 250 people.  Lettering on visual materials should be at least 16 point. For maximum visibility, use large block lettering and colors of high contrast.

PLEASE BRING YOUR PRESENTATION CD OR SLIDES TO THE A/V COORDINATOR THE BREAK BEFORE YOUR PRESENTATION.  PLEASE MAKE SURE TO MARK YOUR PRESENTATION WITH YOUR NAME AND PRESENTATION TIME.

Poster Presentations

All posters will be available for viewing throughout the entirety of the Symposium.  You will be asked to formally present your poster at a designated time during the Poster Pubs on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 5:00pm and 7:00pm or the Poster Session on Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 2:00pm.  The schedule of Poster Presentations is:

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 5:00-6:00pm
Benthic Habitat Characterization and Advanced Technologies and Their Applications

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 6:00-7:00pm
Understanding Chronic and Event Driven Natural Change to Benthic Habitats
Linking Fisheries and Supporting Ecosystems to Benthic Habitat Character and Dynamics

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 5:00-6:00pm
Effects of Fishing: Assessment and Recovery

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 6:00-7:00pm
Comparison of Effects of Fishing with Effects of Natural Events and Non-Fishing
Anthropogenic Impacts on Benthic Habitat
Extrapolation/Scaling Up of Local and Chronic Effects...

Thursday, November 14, 2002 1:00-2:00pm
Social and Economic Issues and Effects
Alternate Fishing Techniques and Policies: Lessons Learned

Breaks and lunches also will be served in the poster rooms to encourage casual viewing during these times.

Each poster board will be numbered. In the final Program, find your poster number and attach your poster to the correctly numbered board.  Posters should remain on display during the entirety of the Symposium.  Posters can be put up between 7:00am and 8:00am on Tuesday, November 12, 2002, and should be taken down by 4:30pm on Thursday, November 14, 2002.  Any posters left up after the deadline for removal will be taken down.  We cannot guarantee safety or storage space for posters left on poster boards after the deadline for removal.

The display area on each poster board is 40"h x 90"w and poster boards are placed on legs. Each poster board will accommodate one poster on each side.  Due to the number of posters being presented, each poster presentation is limited to one side of a poster board. The poster board is made of bulletin-board material, appropriate for push-pins or thumb-tacks. While a limited number of push-pins will be provided, you are advised to bring your own. You may also use velcro dots or strips to affix your poster. You may NOT use staples, glue, paste, or nails to attach your poster to the poster board. In addition, ESA will NOT provide equipment or electricity for use of projection or computer equipment involved with a poster presentation. The information in the banner heading across the top of the poster should be exactly the same as the abstract in the program, (e.g., authors, institutions and title). Text should be large enough to be read from approximately 10 feet away. Label each section clearly, in letters large enough to read from 5 to 8 feet away.  General text on the poster should be readable from a minimum of 5 feet away as well.

SYMPOSIUM PUBLICATIONS

Symposium participants will receive the Official Program and Abstract Volume at the Symposium.  This publication will include abstracts for all oral and poster presentations.  A special peer-reviewed volume to be published by the American Fisheries Society will be the important legacy of the meeting for researchers and managers.  All Symposium participants will receive the Symposium Proceedings in 2003.

Instructions to Proceedings Authors

All oral and poster presenters are strongly encouraged to submit a manuscript or research note to be included in the Symposium Proceedings. To have your paper included in the Symposium Proceedings, your full-length manuscript or research note based on your presentation will be due AT THE TIME of the Symposium.  (A final version will be due no later than December 15, 2002.)  These manuscripts will be delivered to the American Fisheries Society for review, acceptance, and editing for the Symposium Proceedings volume. Please also include the names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three potential reviewers. Author guidelines for manuscripts are available at http://www.fisheries.org/publications/catbooks/authorguide.pdf or by contacting dlehman@fisheries.org. At the Symposium, you should be prepared to submit:

• two double-spaced hard copies of the manuscript/research note;
• original camera-ready art (accompanied by digital files, if available);
• a disk copy of the manuscript/research note (and figures, if possible);
• completed manuscript submission checklist (see Author guidelines at URL above);
• the names, mailing addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three potential reviewers; and
• a completed Transfer of Copyright Form (see http://www.fisheries.org/publications/catalog/authresources.htm).

SYMPOSIUM AMENITIES

Coffee Breaks and Lunches

Morning and afternoon coffee breaks are complimentary and will be served in the Lake Forest and Banyon Ballrooms where posters will also be available for casual viewing.  Box lunches are included in the registration fee and will be served in the Woodlands Foyer.  Poster viewing is also encouraged during the lunch break.

Vegetarian Meal Policy

A vegetarian option (meatless) will be available for lunches, receptions, and box lunches for Field Trips where lunch is provided. Please indicate your preference for vegetarian (meatless) meals in Section C of the Symposium Registration Form. We are unable to offer meals specifically designed for vegans or those with food allergies.  Participants preferring vegan, lactos-free, or gluten-free foods are advised to arrange for their own food independently.

Roommate and Transportation Forum

The Symposium Roommate and Transportation Forum is an electronic bulletin board designed to assist you with identifying and getting in touch with potential roommates to share lodging in or to arrange rides to or from Tampa Bay. The Roommate and Transportation Forum is located at http://www.esa.org/benthic/forum/. Whatever you post is completely your own responsibility. The Symposium organizers cannot guarantee that you will locate roommates or rides using the Forum, nor are the organizers or any of the participating organizations liable for any consequences if you seek roommates or traveling partners using the Forum.  Participants planning to share a room are advised to try to find a roommate in advance of making lodging reservations.

Job Mart and Message Boards

Employment and research vacancies can be posted on the "Job Mart" bulletin board located in the Woodlands Foyer.  Messages for other Symposium participants may be posted on the "Message Board," also located in the Woodlands Foyer.

REGISTRATION

The Ecological Society of America will serve as the Registrar for the Symposium. 

Registration for the Symposium is available either online, by fax, or by mail.

• To register online, please click on the link to the secure electronic version of the Symposium Registration Form on the Symposium website at http://www.esa.org/benthic/registration.htm.  Please do NOT mail or fax a printed copy of the Symposium Registration Form if you register online.
• To register by fax, please complete the hardcopy version of the Symposium Registration Form included in this Preliminary Program or download and complete the printable PDF version of the Symposium Registration Form using the link posted on the Symposium website at http://www.esa.org/benthic/registration.htm.  Fax the completed form to 202-833-8775.
• To register by mail, please complete the hardcopy version of the Symposium Registration Form included in this Preliminary Program or download and complete the printable PDF version of the Symposium Registration Form using the link posted on the Symposium website at http://www.esa.org/benthic/registration.htm.  Mail the completed form to:
  Symposium on Effects of Fishing Activities on Benthic Habitats
  Attn:  Registration
  c/o ESA
  Department 0666
  Washington, DC 20073 USA 

Full payment of registration fees must accompany the Symposium Registration Form regardless of method of submission.  Refer to the Payment Method and Payment Policy Section below for detailed information about payment options.  Registration processing can take up to 30 days.  Once completed, a Symposium Confirmation Notice will be sent to the registrant by email or mail.

All Symposium Registration Forms are automatically stamped with the day, date, and time of receipt.  Your Symposium Registration Form must be received NO LATER THAN 5:00pm EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME on the date specified for each registration deadline (i.e., Early Bird or Standard registration) or the registrant will be charged at the next registration fee level. 

Registration Fees

Standard (must be received by 5pm EDT on October 24, 2002) $350US
Late/On-Site (registrations received after 5:01pm EDT October 24, 2002 and on-site registrations) $390US
One-Day--Tuesday, November 12, 2002 $250US
One-Day--Wednesday or Thursday, November 13 or 14, 2002 $200US
Guest Registration $55US

Registration Fees (Standard and Late/On-Site) cover to access to all scientific sessions, the Welcome Reception on Monday evening, the Open House and "Taste of the Tropics" Reception with light buffet at the Florida Aquarium on Tuesday evening, coffee breaks and box lunches on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and Poster Pub receptions on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. In addition, the fee includes the Symposium Program and Abstracts with abstracts of the oral and poster presentations and a copy of the post-Symposium Proceedings volume, as well as a name badge and Symposium souvenir. Field Trip participation involves additional costs ranging from $30 to $85.

One-Day Registration Fees cover access to all Symposium activities on the day of registration, including the Plenary Session and Poster Pub.  Tuesday One-Day Registrants may attend the Open House and "Taste of the Tropics" Reception at the Florida Aquarium.  One-Day registrants will also receive the Symposium Program and Abstracts with abstracts of the oral and poster presentations and a copy of the post-Symposium Proceedings volume, as well as a name badge and Symposium souvenir.

The Guest Registration Fee entitles the guest of a Symposium registrant to attend the Monday Welcome Reception and the Tuesday Open House and "Taste of the Tropics" Reception at the Florida Aquarium ONLY.  Each registered guest will also receive a name badge and Symposium souvenir.

Press Registration includes access to all Symposium sessions and is available at no charge to all members of the press who can demonstrate the appropriate credentials.  This includes reporters with a recognized press card or current membership in the National Association of Science Writers, the Canadian Science Writers Association, the International Science Writers Association, or the Society of Environmental Journalists.  Press Registration is also available for Public Information Officers who can demonstrate membership in one of the above professional organizations.  Press Registration is NOT available for editors of peer-reviewed journals, ad sales representatives, publishers, program officers, or marketing professionals.  Members of the press who wish to attend the Monday Welcome Reception and the Tuesday Open House and "Taste of the Tropics" Reception at the Florida Aquarium must register and pay the Guest Registration Fee.  In addition, members of the press interested in attending Field Trips must register for these and pay the associated fees.  For more information or to register as a member of the press, please contact Annie Drinkard, ESA Public Affairs Officer, by telephone at 202-833-8773 or by email at annie@esa.org.

Payment Method and Payment Policy

All registration fees must be paid in full at the time the Symposium Registration Form is submitted.  Please include requests for Field Trip participation in your initial symposium registration as well.  To ensure advance registration, your Symposium Registration Form must be received no later than Thursday, October 24, 2002.  After that date, registration for the Symposium must be submitted onsite.

If registering online or by fax, payment of registration fees must be made by credit card (MasterCard or VISA only).  If registering by mail, payment of registration fees may be made by credit card (MasterCard or VISA only) or check (personal, business, or travelers check, money order, or overseas wire transfer.  We are unable to accept American Express, Discover, or Diners Club card payments and we will NOT accepted Purchase Orders of any type in place of payment.  (For foreign remitters only, drafts on U.S. Banks and U.S. Postal Orders will also be accepted if approved in advance by the Symposium Registrar.)  All checks and money orders should be in payable in U.S. Dollars and to "The Ecological Society of America."  Please DO NOT MIAL CASH.

In the event that the credit card information provided for payment is invalid, the card is declined, a check is returned for insufficient funds, the registrant will be contacted by the Registrar for alternate payment and a $25 Processing Fee will be assessed.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations of registration for the Symposium or for individual Field Trips MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING and MUST BE RECEIVED BY FAX OR POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN Thursday, October 3, 2002.  Cancellations by telephone, voice mail, or email will NOT be accepted.  Fax your written cancellation to 202-833-8775 or mail it to:
Symposium on the Effects of Fishing
Activities on Benthic Habitats
Attn:  Cancellations
c/o ESA
1707 H Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006 USA

Registration Refund Policy

A refund of registration fees paid, minus a $25 Processing Fee, will be issued to any registrant who provides a written cancellation request according to the Cancellation Policy described in the preceding section.  Cancellation requests MUST be received by fax or postmarked on or before Thursday, October 3, 2002.  NO REFUNDS will be granted for cancellations that do not arrive by fax by Thursday, October 3, 2002, or do not bear a clear identifiable postmark of Thursday, October 3, 2002, or earlier.  Refund checks/credit card refunds will be processed after the Symposium.  PLEASE DO NOT EXPECT TO RECEIVE YOUR REFUND BEFORE FRIDAY DECEMBER 13, 2002.

Symposium Registration Hours

Registration will take place in the Woodlands Foyer of the Doubletree Westshore Hotel.  The tentative hours for on-site registration and pre-registration pickup of Symposium materials, Symposium Program and Abstracts, name badges, etc. are below.  Please check the on-site Registration Desk for actual Registration Hours.

Monday, November 11 8:00am - 1:00pm and 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 12 7:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday, November 13 7:00am - 2:00pm and 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday, November 14 7:00am - 9:00am and 11:00am - 5:00pm
Friday, November 15 7:00am - 9:30am

A Confirmation Notice will be sent to Symposium registrants who register by the Standard Registration deadline, Thursday, October 24, 2002.  Each registrant must come to the Registration Desk to pick up all other Symposium materials (e.g., Program and Abstracts volumes, name badge) onsite.  A Symposium Registration receipt will be included among the materials provided at that time.  Please make certain to keep this as a record of your attendance.

HOUSING INFORMATION

All Symposium sessions will be held in Westshore's friendliest hotel, the Doubletree Westshore Hotel located at 4500 West Cypresss Street in Tampa, Florida (http://www.tampadoubletree.com/).  Located in the heart of the Westshore Business District and just minutes from Tampa International Airport, area restaurants, and the new International Mall, this facility offers the many amenities and services.  These include 24-hour complimentary transportation to and from the airport, high-speed internet access in guestrooms and meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour full service health club, on-site and in-room dining, and an on-site Business Center.  Standard guest rooms feature deluxe amenities and tasteful tropical décor. Each is well appointed with coffee maker, iron and board, hair dryer, telephone with voice mail and auto wakeup, AM/FM clock radio, cable television with free premium channels, video messaging, and pay-per-view movies. Guests also receive a complimentary USA Today newspaper each weekday. Non-smoking and wheelchair access rooms are available as well.

Reservations

The Doubletree Westshore Hotel has reserved a block of rooms during the Symposium under the group name "Benthic Fisheries Habitat Symposium." The rate is $89 per night and is available for the nights of Sunday, November 10, 2002 through Thursday, November 14, 2002, as well as three days prior to and after the Symposium. The cut-off date for booking reservations at the Symposium rate is October 17, 2002; after this date the hotel will continue to accept reservations, rates and room availability cannot be guaranteed.

Symposium registrants should make their room reservations directly with the hotel. The number for the Doubletree Westshore Hotel is 813-879-4800. Reservations may also be made through the Doubletree toll-free number at 1-800-355-0524.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Whether you use your own travel agent, or the official Symposium travel agency, StellarAccess, the airport most convenient to the Symposium site is Tampa International Airport.  Tampa can also be reached by car on Interstate Highway 75 (North or South) or Interstate Highway 4 (running West from Orlando).

Stellar Access

ESA has selected Stellar Access, Inc. as the official Symposium travel service.  Discount travel arrangements have been negotiated for attendees.  Visit http://www.stellaraccess.com/engine.cfm?Eventid=2090 to check airfares, purchase airline tickets, and reserve a rental car for the Symposium and receive contracted discounts negotiated for Symposium participants.  A $15 transaction fee will be charged for all airline tickets purchased through the Stellar Access on-line service.

Participants may also make travel arrangements by calling 1-800-929-4242 and requesting discounts for Event #2090.  Outside the U.S. and Canada, call 858-805-6109.  Phone reservation hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30am to 5:00pm Pacific Time.  A $30 transaction fee will be charged for all tickets purchased through the Stellar Access phone service. Be sure to reference Group #629.

Participants who travel between Thursday, November 7, 2002, and Sunday, November 17, 2002, will be eligible to receive the discounts listed below.

AVIS

Discount rentals with unlimited free mileage have been negotiated for Symposium participants.  To contact AVIS directly, call 1-800-331-1600.  Reference contract #J949009 when making your reservation.

Delta Airlines

Save 5% off the lowest fares anytime and 10% off the lowest fares 60 days prior to departure.  An additional 5% discount is available on certain unrestricted fares with a 60-day advance purchase.  All rules and restrictions apply. To contact Delta Airlines directly, call 1-800-221-1212. Reference contract #188764A when making your reservation.

Tampa International Airport

Tampa International Airport is one of the best in the country. Opened in 1971, there are more than 600 daily nonstop arrivals and departures to more than 50 domestic destinations and 44 weekly nonstop scheduled arrivals from eight international markets. The main terminal is linked to four remote buildings, which host the arrival and departure gates, by fast two-car automated trains that run above ground. Bright, close to hotels, with plenty of elevators and escalators and lots of easily understood signs as well as excellent shops, the Tampa International Airport is a pleasant surprise. A public art program was established in 1998 and has grown to include permanent, loaned, and rotating exhibits. "Not to be missed" are the marine exhibits in each of the baggage claim areas.

Arrivals and departures on Delta Airlines are located in Airside Terminal C. USAir and American Airlines flights arrive and depart from Airside Terminal F. Southwest, Northwest, and Continental flights arrive and depart from Airside Terminal A and United and JetBlue flights arrive at Airside Terminal D. All other major airlines also have flights into and out of Tampa International Airport

Getting from the Airport to the Hotel

The Doubletree Westshore Hotel is located a short ten minute drive from the Tampa International Airport. Several means of transportation are available between the two including:

• Complimentary Hotel Shuttle--The Doubletree Westshore Hotel provides complimentary 24-hour airport transportation. When you arrive at the airport, you should go to the baggage claim area and locate the hotel kiosk. Pick up the telephone for the Doubletree Westshore Hotel. This will connect you directly with the hotel. Let them know that you need a shuttle pick up. Vans run every half hour on the hour.
• Taxi--Taxi service can be found curbside in the Red and Blue baggage claim areas at the Tampa International Airport. The fare to the Doubletree Westshore Hotel ranges from $10 to $17 per person plus tip depending on the traffic and the time of day.
• Rental Car--Commercial car rental firms located in the baggage claim areas at the Tampa International Airport include Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Dollar. Advance reservation of rental cars is highly recommended. Rental cars are located in the short-term parking garage and may be picked up and returned directly to the airport.

To drive from the Tampa International Airport to the Doubletree Westshore Hotel, follow signs to the SR-616 East / Spruce Street ramp. Merge onto Spruce Street and go straight to Westshore Boulevard. Turn right on Westshore Boulevard. Go to Cypress Street and turn left. The hotel is one block ahead on the right.  Complimentary hotel parking is available.

EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

Due to the size of the Symposium, we are not able to offer physical space for exhibitors. However, we can offer exhibitors the opportunity to sponsor Symposium events, advertise in the Symposium Program, and distribute literature as insertions to the carry-all bags to be received by all Symposium participants.  We also welcome donations of prizes for the Poster Pub raffles.  If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Lori Hidinger, Benthic Symposium Coordinator, at 202-833-8773 or benthic@esa.org, for additional details or complete and return the attached Exhibitor Opportunity Request Form.  Requests for all exhibitor opportunities and full payment must be received NO LATER THAN September 13, 2002.

SPONSORING AND PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

American Fisheries Society

The mission of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.  AFS, founded in 1870, is the oldest and largest professional society representing fisheries scientists.  AFS promotes scientific research and enlightened management of resources for optimum use and enjoyment by the public.  It also encourages a comprehensive education for fisheries scientists and continuing on-the-job training.  AFS publishes some of the world's leading fisheries research journals:

• Transactions of the American Fisheries Society
• North American Journal of Fisheries Management
• North American Journal of Aquaculture (formerly The Progressive Fish Culturist)
• The Journal of Aquatic Animal Health
• Fisheries

AFS organizes scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed. In addition to these primary functions, the Society has many other programs in areas such as professional certification, international affairs, public affairs, and public information. More than 100 chapters, divisions, student subunits, and sections carry out the mission of the Society at the local, regional, and special interest level.  For more information, see the AFS webpage at http://www.fisheries.org/.

Ecological Society of America

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization of scientists founded in 1915 to:

• promote ecological science by improving communication among ecologists;
• raise the public's level of awareness of the importance of ecological science;