AMERICAN ELASMOBRANCH SOCIETY
The American Elasmobranch Society is a non-profit organization that seeks to advance the scientific study of living and fossil sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras, and the promotion of education, conservation, and wise utilization of natural resources. Dr. Samuel Gruber was the first president of the society and helped create it as a way for elasmobranch researchers and scientists to come together and share and discuss their work. We have been in attendance at this conference since its inauguration to share the work we are doing, help advance the field, and network with other scientists.
FACT NETWORK MEETING
The FACT Network connects marine scientists using acoustic telemetry and other tagging technology to better understand and conserve important marine fish and sea turtle species. They work to encourage new student projects with data sharing and partnerships that help inform policy and coastal management decisions. Throughout this conference, workshops are offered to learn new skills and presentations are given to learn about the latest developments and projects in research involving acoustic telemetry and tagging. Since we use technology associated with this organization, we attend to learn and share as much as we can with other researchers using these methods.
NATIONAL MARINE EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) is a dedicated, influential member-based organization of classroom teachers, informal educators, university professors, scientists, and more from around the world working together to advance the understanding and protection of our freshwater and marine ecosystems. The conference allows for marine educators to meet and learn from each other by sharing their knowledge and teaching methods.