The conference features two scientific topics each day. Keynote speakers will introduce topics during the morning plenary session before separating into two parallel sessions. The afternoon of the second day will include an excursion in the Chesapeake Bay area to enhance the opportunity for discussions and to foster the development of new contacts. Contributed papers will be split between oral and poster presentations. Please indicate a preference when submitting your abstract and efforts will be made to accommodate your request. Speakers offering contributed papers will be given 20 minutes (15 minutes for presentation, 5 minutes for questions).

Workshops and/or panel discussions are planned for the second morning of the conference. Topics may include scientific communication, navigating the proposal writing process, resources for early career development, or overviews of major international research initiatives in marine science and oceanography.

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