This year's in-person NYSMEA conference, hosted by SUNY Maritime in the Bronx, promises to be a fun and educational event. Start the day visiting exhibitors over a continental breakfast, then enjoy a field trip based right on the Maritime campus (there are four to choose from!). At 11 am, our keynote speaker, Carl Safina, will discuss his latest book, "Alfie and Me: How We See Our Place in Nature." This will be followed by lunch, awards, a panel discussion, 2 workshop sessions, and a 50th anniversary celebratory cocktail party. It promises to be an action-packed day with many opportunities to network and learn more about protecting our marine environment. We hope you can join us!
Field trips will take place from 9-10:30 am. Your choices are:
1. Tour of Maritime's Training Ship, Empire State VII
Take a tour of SUNY Maritime’s new training vessel, Empire State VII. This National Security Multi-mission Vessel, the first of its kind, is designed not only to serve as a training platform but to be able to respond to national disasters as well. Explore this 525-foot, state-of-the-art vessel before SUNY Maritime students set sail on their 2025 Summer Sea Term, making stops in New Orleans, the Azores, and Norway.
2. Excursion on SUNY Maritime's research vessel, Sea Lab
Climb aboard SUNY Maritime’s 41-foot Sea Lab research vessel to take an on-water trip on the East River and Long Island Sound. While out on the water, you’ll learn about the field trips SUNY Maritime offers for middle and high school students involving basic water quality testing and collection of biological samples.
3. Dockside Oyster Research Stations
Roll up your sleeves and check out the dockside oyster research stations at SUNY Maritime. You’ll learn about the Billion Oyster Project’s restoration and education work while measuring oysters and learning to identify the organisms that inhabit the cages.
4. Kayaking/Stand Up Paddleboarding
Hop in a kayak or on a standup paddleboard to explore the waters surrounding SUNY Maritime’s waterfront campus!
On April 24, registrants will receive a google form on which they will rank their field trip choices.
Registration Details
All conference registrants must be current NYSMEA members. (Email srichards@saintannsny.org if you are unsure of your status.) Before registering, you'll need to log in to your NYSMEA membership or renew/join NYSMEA.
Registration is $100 and includes all components and meals.
We are also offering a discounted rate of $25 for full-time students, which includes all components, breakfast and lunch. If a student would like to stay for the evening party, that will be $10 extra.
Hotel Information
We have a block of rooms saved at the Holiday Inn in New Rochelle. Click here for details. Reservations must be made by April 3.
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