The NMEA 2008 Conference Program has gone to press.  Presenter acceptance notices and confirmation forms were emailed April 8. Concurrent session schedules and Presenters Update were emailed on May 2.  If you have not received these documents, or have questions about your presentation, please contact Anne Lindsay Frick at lindsaya@uga.edu.

PROGRAM

One World, One Water is the theme for NMEA 2008! Dive into cutting-edge research and innovative education in coastal Georgia where land meets sea. Come to ride the wave of collaboration, creativity and ingenuity in the field of marine science. We invite you to be a part of this extraordinary experience.

The NMEA 2008 program committee seeks a diverse group of presenters that includes researchers, educators, resource managers and a host of others to share ideas, programs, and current trends in marine/aquatic education and research.

PRESENTATION STRANDS
All presentations must address one or more Ocean Literacy principles and be indicated on application form.

International Year of the Reef (IYOR) Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Presentations in this strand will focus on international efforts in marine education and research related to IYOR 2008. IYOR 2008 is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability, and to motivate people to take action to protect them. IYOR 97 was initiated in response to the increasing threats and loss of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. IYOR 97 was a global effort to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs, and to support conservation, research and management efforts. There continues to be an urgent need to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs as well as deep sea reefs, and to further conserve and manage valuable reefs and associated ecosystems. For more information, go to www.iyor.org

Ocean Literacy Monday – Wednesday, July 21-23, 2008
Presentations in this strand will specifically address ocean literacy as a concept or illustrate ocean literacy through classroom, field, or community based activities using at least one of the seven essential principles listed below. Generally, Ocean Literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean. An ocean-literate person understands the essential principles and fundamental concepts, can communicate about the oceans in a meaningful way, and is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources. For more information go to www.coexploration.org/oceanliteracy.

Fisheries Tuesday, July 22, 2008
These sessions will address aspects of commercial and recreational fisheries management, policy, research, and stewardship. These will include classroom and informal activities that link ocean literacy to local and global fisheries. These presentations in this strand should generally relate to at least one essential principle of Ocean Literacy and support the National Marine Educators Association mission of making known the world of water, both fresh and salt.

General Sessions Monday, July 21, 2008
These sessions will address any aspect of marine education, research or management that may not clearly align with IYOR, Ocean Science Literacy, or fisheries. The presentations in this strand should generally relate to at least one essential principal of Ocean Literacy and support the National Marine Educators Association mission of making known the world of water, both fresh and salt.

GUIDELINES FOR PRESENTERS
The theme for NMEA 2008 in Savannah, Georgia is One World, One Water. The conference will showcase cutting edge research or methods and new or creative ways to inspire and educate the public on marine science. The NMEA 2008 Conference Committee solicits presentations related to the following strands. General sessions should relate to marine education, research, and/or stewardship. All presentations should fall in line with NMEA’s mission: “making known the world of water, both fresh and salt.” We encourage presentations from a variety of individuals: classroom teachers, researchers, curriculum leaders, and informal educators.

Presenters Update:  May 8, 2008
The schedule for concurrent sessions is now set and included in the conference program that is currently being printed.  We are unable to make last minute changes.  If you find you need to withdraw your presentation between now and July 21, please contact Anne Lindsay Frick at lindsaya@uga.edu as soon as possible.  We will print and distribute a session cancellations page just prior to the conference.   Here are a few reminders:

1. Presentation rooms will have white boards, screens and LCD projectors. 
2. Remember, you must bring our own laptop if you need it for your presentation.  We will provide power point projectors that are PC compatible only.  Should you require a projector that is compatible with your MAC lap top, you’ll need to bring it with you.  
3. All presentations will follow a 45 minute lecture or demonstration format. 
4. All presentation rooms will be set up in theater style unless previously requested otherwise.
5. If you need to ship any items to be used in your presentation, please contact the hotel using the link on www.nmeaweb.org . You’ll find lodging information for the hotel there also.  
6. Internet connections in presentations rooms require an extra fee and are no longer possible unless you have previously arranged them. 
7. All presenters are required to register for the conference at www.nmeaweb.org .  For those of you who have added co-presenters, please remind them that they are also required to register.  
8. Full conference registration (with all meals and special events included) closes June 1.  Late registration continues (no meals and special events included) until the conference date.

We are looking forward to your upcoming visit!  If you need more information or have questions, please contact Anne Lindsay Frick,  lindsaya@uga.edu .