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2019 DRAFT AGENDA

Remote Participation Information

The Ropeless Consortium meeting will take place on November 13th, 2019 at the University of Southern Maine, Portland. The meeting will include presentations on available ropeless fishing products, prototypes in development, and testing results from this year, as well as discussion of progress overcoming regulatory challenges, fisheries outreach, establishing experimental fisheries, and funding opportunities and challenges.

The annual meeting of the Ropeless Consortium is typically closed to the media, though in some years there are special sessions open to members of the press. While we respect and appreciate the importance of media on these issues, many of the presentations are of works in progress that are being shared in confidence among colleagues. It would be detrimental to the study and the researchers if the results of work in progress appeared in the media prior to their publication in a scientific journal. The meeting is a forum for free exchange of information and ideas between scientists, fishermen, and agency managers. If there were media present, this open discussion would not be possible for some participants. We are willing to provide contact information of experts in the field to the media for direct contact outside the context of this meeting.

Code of Conduct
The Ropeless Consortium is dedicated to providing a positive and productive conference experience for all attendees. To that end, we expect meeting attendees to abide by our Code of Conduct.

Videotaping, audiotaping, and photography of and during the Ropeless Consortium Annual Meeting are prohibited.

Press

The Ropeless Consortium meeting is closed to members of the media. While we respect and appreciate the importance of media on right whale issues, many of the presentations are of works in progress that are being shared in confidence among colleagues. It would be detrimental to the study, the researchers, and the whales if the results of work in progress appeared in the media prior to their publication in a scientific journal. The meeting represents a forum for free exchange of information and ideas between fishermen and associations, scientists and conservationists from academia, governments and NGOs. If there were media present, this open discussion would not be possible for some participants. We are willing to provide contact information of experts in the field to the media for direct contact outside the context of this meeting. We appreciate your understanding.

Remote Participation

Those interested in remote participation for the meeting will find details HERE

Registration

Register HERE

*Please note that registration for the Ropeless Meeting is separate from the NARWC Meeting*

Regular: $60

Student: $45

Registration closes on November 4, 2019 (or once venue capacity is met). Registration fees include the scientific program, lunch, and coffee breaks. Should you need further information on the registration process, please contact Heather Pettis.   

Abstract Submission

​The Ropeless Board is currently accepting abstracts for oral presentations at the 2019 Annual Meeting. Participants wishing to present at the 2019 Annual Meeting must submit an abstract for review no later than August 30, 2019. Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words and should be submitted online HERE.

Oral presentations will be 15 minutes, which includes presentation and question period.

Meeting Venue

The 2019 Annual Meeting will take place at the University of Southern Maine Portland Campus. The visitors guide features the many things to see and do in the city of Portland.

VISITING ADDRESS 
Abromson Community Education Center
88 Bedford St.
​Portland, ME 04101
(207) 228-8076
HANNAFORD HALL  

Parking and Directions 

Travel

Air Travel: Portland International Airport and Boston Logan Airport are the two best options.

Bus: There are several bus options from Logan to Portland, ME

Concord Coach Bus  

Greyhound Bus

Accommodations 

We have arranged a block of rooms at the The Westin Harborview Hotel.

Westin Harborview Hotel
157 High St
Portland, ME 04101
0.9 miles from venue
$139/night plus tax
Reservations
Block ends October 16, 2019