The Constance MacFarlane Seaplant Symposium

Call for Papers and Presentations

Proposals for papers and presentations are invited for the Constance MacFarlane Seaplant Symposium, to be hosted by the Institute of Island Studies at University of Prince Edward Island, in Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, on 25 – 27 September, 2008. In light of current challenges (e.g. collapsing fisheries, invasive species, erratic markets, depopulation of coastal communities) and opportunities (e.g. expanding food & health product sectors, growing interest in organic agriculture, seaplant tourism, rural development needs), the time is ripe for a close examination of where seaplants fit into the future of Prince Edward Island. This conference will draw lessons from our history; celebrate senior researchers; take stock of the diversity of the world’s seaplant industry; explore new opportunities for sustainable development that are emerging; and lay the groundwork for developing a regional seaplant research and development network.

We request proposals for oral presentations of 20 minutes length, with 5-10 minutes allowed for discussion. Posters and table displays are also welcome. Please submit your proposal of no more than 250 words to Dr Irene Novaczek at inovaczek@upei.ca no later than 31 July, for consideration. The program will be set out by 20 August.
Conference information and on-line registration will be accessible shortly through www.islandstudies.com

Proposals for oral presentations, displays and discussion panellists are invited for the following thematic sessions:

Seaplant Industry & Markets : overviews of current challenges faced by seaplant entrepreneurs and the range of commercial activities in Atlantic Canada and the world.

The Constance MacFarlane Symposium : the history of seaplant use, research, commercial development and/or resource management in Atlantic Canada, with particular attention to the role played by Dr Constance Ida MacFarlane.

Seaplant Science and Industry : current research and development work in Atlantic Canada, the USA and overseas, pertaining to resource management, harvesting, cultivation or commercial applications.

Seaplant Product Trade Show: Tables will be available for the display and demonstration of seaplant products of all kinds i.e. foods, nutriceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agricultural.

Panel Discussion on the Future of the Seaplant Industry: future opportunities for the seaplant industries of Atlantic Canada, with special emphasis on PEI. We are interested in hearing from harvesters, managers, small scale and industrial processors, and participants in the health product, tourism and culinary sectors.

Hoping to see you in September!

Dr Irene Novaczek
Director, Institute of Island Studies, University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue, Charlottetown PE, Canada C1A 4P3
902 566 0386 (ph) 902 566 0756 (fax)