Want to host the 16th International Seagrass Biology Workshop?

The World Seagrass Association Inc. invites expressions of interest from members and interested organisations/institutions who would like to host the 16th International Seagrass Biology Workshop (ISBW) in 2026.

The International Seagrass Biology Workshop series is a meeting of research scientists, students and coastal environment managers focusing on global seagrass issues, improving seagrass knowledge, developing networks and advocating for seagrass protection/conservation.

ISBWs are often 4-6 day events, made up of 2-3 days of talks (in a conference setting) and 1-2 days of workshops and often include an additional day for a field trip. Participants are generally around 100 individuals, however, this is highly dependent on the venue. The timing for ISBWs has mostly been late September, although the timing is dependent on what is most suitable for the hosting country (e.g. tides, holidays, etc).

We would also like to encourage organisations/institutions in localities that have been underrepresented in past ISBWs to consider hosting this event to highlight the need for seagrass research and to expand our research networks.

After the first official ISBW in 1993 it was decided that meetings were to be held at two year intervals, swapping between developed and developing nation locations. The 2024 meeting (ISBW15) will be held in Naples, Italy, from 17-21 June, in conjunction with the World Seagrass Conference (WSC2024) (https://www.isbw15.it/). Past ISBW venues include:
ISBW1 (1993)    Japan – Kominato
ISBW2 (1996)    Australia – Rottnest Island
ISBW3 (1998)    The Philippines – Quezon City and Bolinao
ISBW4 (2000)    France – Corsica
!SBW5 (2002)    Mexico – Ensenada
ISBW6 (+Conference) (2004)    Australia -Townsville and Magnetic island
ISBW7 (2006)    Africa – Zanzibar
ISBW8 (2008)    Canada – Bamfield, Vancouver island
ISBW9 (+Conference) (2010)     Thailand – Phuket and Trang Province
ISBW10 (2012)   Brazil – Buzios
ISBW11 (2014)   China – Sanya, Hainan Province
ISBW12 (2016)   United Kingdom – Nant Gwrtheyrn, Wales
ISBW13 (+Conference) (2018) Singapore
ISBW14 (+Conference) (2022) USA – Annapolis, Maryland

To read about the history of the ISBW series, see
Coles, R., Short, F., Fortes, M. and Kuo, J (2014) Twenty years of seagrass networking and advancing seagrass science: The International Seagrass Biology Workshop Series. Pacific Conservation Biology 20(1): 8–16. (http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/302/paper/PC140008.htm), and
Hind-Ozan, E.J., Jones, B.L., 2017. Seagrass science is growing: A report on the 12th International Seagrass Biology Workshop. Marine Pollution Bulletin.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.017

The International Seagrass Biology Workshop (ISBW) is an official activity of the  World Seagrass Association Inc., and WSA Inc. plays a guiding role, and assists the Convener/Organising Committee when requested.

Members or organisations/institutions who are interested in hosting the 16th International Seagrass Biology Workshop (ISBW) in 2026 should submit an Expression of Interest by email to Len McKenzie, Secretary, World Seagrass Association Inc., at wsa.secretary@gmail.com no later than March 01, 2024.
Expressions of Interest should be no longer than 3 pages and include the following:
• Name of Applicant
• Applicant’s contact information including physical address and email address
• Proposed Hosting Institution (add a brief description)
• Country and proposed location for the event
• Institutional Support
• Tentative Venue Details (conference, workshop and field trips)
• Preliminary Proposed Theme
• Travel & Visa Considerations
• Health & Safety Considerations
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Considerations
The WSA may require more detailed information in future before a final decision.

If you require additional information or any enquiries, please email wsa.secretary@gmail.com