CERF 2011 Synthesis Session Moderators and Panelists Selected

William Nuttle, Organizer for CERF 2011 Synthesis Sessions

wnuttle@eco-hydrology.com

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble...

The Synthesis Sessions are, well, synthesizing nicely.  Eight CERFers have answered the call to help lead the discussion on Tuesday and Thursday. Each session will be staffed by a moderator, and 3 panelists will introduce the topics for discussion.  The topics relate to presentations during the regular sessions on the conference schedule.  

Then, there is you to add to the brew.  Pack up your eye of newt, or just bring along your left over field samples. Plan to come and help to stir things up.

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Tuesday, 8 November 2011; 3:30 – 5:00pm 

Integrated Ecosystem Assessment: the Present State-of-the-Art

This session will examine the IEA process, human dimensions of ecosystems, and lessons learned in management applications.

Moderator: Robert Costanza, University Professor of Sustainability and Director, Institute for Sustainable Solutions, Portland State University

Topic 1 IEA defined – What is integrated ecosystem assessment and how is it being used in coastal and estuarine ecosystems?

Mike Reiter, Associate Professor of Environmental Science at Bethune-Cookman University

Topic 2 Human dimensions – How can we include humans and the effects of their activities on the coastal and estuarine environment in integrated ecosystem assessments.

Dave Yoskowitz, Endowed Chair for Socio-Economics, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies

Topic 3 Management applications - What have we learned from past experience of applying science in the management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems.

Stephen Weisberg, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project

Thursday, 10 November 2011; 3:30 – 5:00pm

Integrated Ecosystem Assessment: Emerging Challenges 

This session will examine emerging challenges related to baseline change, dynamic ecosystems, and problems facing managers applying an ecosystem approach in the real world.

Moderator: Robert Twilley, Vice President for Research, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Topic 4 Baseline change – How can we account for the effects of uncontrollable change to drivers, e.g. climate change and rising sea level, in ecosystem assessments and in setting management goals?

Leila Hamdan, Research Microbial Ecologist at US Naval Research Laboratory

Topic 5 Dynamic ecosystems – How can we detect, analyze and forecast change in coastal and estuarine ecosystems?

Denise Reed, Professor in Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New Orleans

Topic 6 Management challenges – How do the problems that face managers in implementing ecosystem management of coasts and estuaries the regional scale affect the way that science is done?

Fred Sklar, Chief Scientist, Everglades Division, South Florida Water Management District