Category: Upcoming Meeting

SNEC SciComm Challenge

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Think you’re a science communication champ? Never practiced your scicomm skills, but want to dip your toe? Enter to participate the first ever SNEC SciComm Challenge!

Objective: Create an interactive exhibit to communicate scientific material to a general audience. Any AFS-relevant topics are welcome! Think you can explain the basis of your research in the form of a board game? Go for it! Want to pilot an extensions/outreach tool? Bring it on!

Voting & prizes: To cast votes, each attendee of the winter SNEC 2018 meeting will be given two tickets to give to her/his favorite exhibits. Prizes, provided by the UConn AFS student subunit, will be awarded to the top two contestants.

How to enter: Submit your name(s), topic/title, and requested accommodations: SNEC SciComm Challenge! Entries may be individual or team. Access to table space, electrical outlet(s), and wall space for hanging posters and the like may be requested in the form. Tentative topics/titles are requested to provide some flexibility, but titles must be finalized and submitted to the organizers by December 16th.

We hope you enjoy this new program! Thank you in advance for your support and participation!

 

Caution Bad Data

Tricks of the Trade – A Workshop on Data QA/QC Best Practices

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The Southern New England chapter of AFS is proud to host a workshop on data QA/QC best practices on Wednesday, June 27th at the University of Rhode Island  Bay Campus, in Narragansett, RI.  The workshop will be taught in three parts by fisheries professionals who have years of experience, and will be teaching their “tricks of the trade” on how they deal with data issues.  Registration will start at 8:00am and the workshop will run from 9:00am – 3:30pm.

Session I will be taught by Tiffany Cunningham of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.  Tiffany will focus on data collection, data management, and data auditing.  She will talk about the questions you should ask before you collect your data, the different databases you can use to work on your data, and formatting those data to fit a certain database.

Session II will be taught by Michelle Traver of NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center.  Michelle will talk about working with large data sets, knowing the raw data, looking for trends from the beginning, and incorporating different sources of data into a usable product.

Session III will be taught by Jeff Kneebone from the New England Aquarium. He will focus on quality control of tagging data.  He will go over different examples and how to troubleshoot data issues obtained from conventional, acoustic, and pop-up satellite tags.

Each speaker will talk for one and a half hours with breaks in between.  Lunch will be provided for all workshop attendees.  After the workshop is completed, everyone is invited to a social at a local venue, still TBD.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email Bill Duffy at 508-717-0210 or [email protected].

Registration is require. Click here for registration.

Where to eat in Mystic

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MYSTIC AREA RESTAURANTS

NOTE: the following restaurants are offering dining discounts or specials to conference attendees showing proof of registration (ID badge or registration receipt):

  • Mango’s Wood-fired Pizza Co. (15%; diners eligible for a $50 gift card raffle)
  • Steak Loft (10%)
  • Jealous Monk (Honorary Monk Club member – $1 off any draft except Happy Hour beers, Happy Hour specials 4-6 PM & 10 PM-12 AM, $2 off selected drafts & $4 food options)
  • Pink Basil (10%)
  • Red 36 (10%)
  • Engine Room (all evening Happy Hour Specials – bar bites & drink specials)
  • The Oyster Club ($1 oysters)

WALKING DISTANCE FROM HILTON HOTEL:

Located within Olde Mistick Village (27 Coogan Boulevard):

Directions:  Turn right out of parking lot entrance onto Clara Drive.  Proceed straight at light and turn left into the Village for most of these restaurants; Go Fish is on periphery with others located within the Village or take a left onto Coogan Boulevard and enter a second Village entrance on your right hand side (use for Steak Loft). See map here. (village map numbers are given below for each restaurant).  Travel Time: ~2-5 minutes on foot

Go Fish:  Map #22  This restaurant nearby the Hilton will be closed for renovations during the meeting.

Steak Loft:  Map #24.  Steaks, American.  $$-$$$  (860) 536-2661
Lounge: Sun-Thurs 11:30am-10pm and Fri & Sat 11:30am-11pm
Dining Room: Sun-Thurs 11:30am-2:30pm for lunch, 4:30-9:30pm for Dinner

Jealous Monk:  May not yet be shown on Village map – in location #20.  Beer Garden/Craft Beers, American, Sports Bar.  $$  (860) 536-6665
Daily 11:30am-12am

Pink Basil:  Map #3b.  Various Asian, Sushi.  $$  (860) 245-4658
Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-10pm

Bleu Squid:  Map #12d.  Sandwiches, Soup, Bakery, Cheeses.  $  (860) 536-6343
Daily 10am-6pm

Mango’s Wood-fired Pizza Co.:  Map #8e.  Pizza, Salads, Craft Beers.  $$  (860) 572-0600
Sun-Thur 11:30am–8pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-9pm

Vault Coffee Roasters:  Map #7b.  Coffee, Bakery.  $  (860) 415-5045
Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm

Located within Mystic Green Shopping Center (12 Coogan Boulevard):

Directions: Located directly across the street from the main entrance to the hotel parking lot.  Travel Time ~ 2 minutes on foot

Starbucks:  Coffee, Pastries, Sandwiches.  $  (860) 536-9454
Daily 5:30am-9pm

Five Guys Burgers & Fries:  Burgers. $  (860) 572-1500
Daily 11am-10pm

Johnny’s Peking Tokyo: Asian Fusion.  $$  (860) 572-9991
Mon–Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm

Located at 14 Clara Drive:

Directions: Turn left out of parking lot entrance onto Clara Drive.  Small shopping center located on right with lower and upper entrances.  Travel Time: ~ 3-5 minutes on foot

McQuade’s Market: (upper portion of center).  Burgers, Sandwiches, Food Market, Pharmacy.  (860) 536-2054
Daily 7am-10pm

Caskn’ Keg:  (lower portion of center). Package store (beers, wines, and liquors).  (860) 536-8708
Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm

LONGER WALK OR SHORT DRIVE FROM HILTON:

Directions: Take a right out of hotel entrance on Clara drive. At the stop light take a left onto Coogan Boulevard.  Follow other directions as indicated.  Travel Time ~ 3-5 minutes by car, longer by foot

Mystic Boat House:  8 Coogan Blvd.  American.  $$-$$$  (860) 572-1180
Sun- Thurs 11:30am- 9pm; Fri & Sat 11:30am- 10pm

McDonald’s:  Corner of Coogan Boulevard and Greenmanville Avenue (CT 27).  Burgers, Breakfast.  $  (860) 536-9123
Daily 8am-11pm

Mystic Diner & Restaurant:  Go straight across at stop light at end of Coogan Boulevard.  American Diner, Breakfast.  $-$$  (860) 415-4625
Sun-Thur 7am-10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-11pm

Friendly’s:  Go straight across at stop light at end of Coogan Boulevard.  American Diner, Breakfast, Ice Cream.  $-$$  (860) 536-3909
Daily 7am-11pm

Frank’s Gourmet Grill:  56 Whitehall Avenue (CT 27) – drive strongly recommended.  Turn right at end of Coogan Boulevard onto Greenmanville Avenue, which becomes Whitehall Avenue.  Go past I-95 entrance (stay in left lane) and then look for restaurant on right side in plaza with other businesses.  American, Mediterranean.  $$-$$$  (860) 415-4666
Lunch Daily 11am-3pm,  Dinner Daily 4:30pm-10pm

DOWNTOWN MYSTIC LOCATIONS (DRIVE ONLY):

Stonington (east or closer) Side of Mystic River Drawbridge:

Directions: Take a right out of hotel entrance on Clara Drive. At the stop light take a left onto Coogan Boulevard.  Make a left at light onto Greenmanville Avenue (CT 27).  Take the third right onto Holmes Street (no light).  Follow other directions as indicated.  Travel Time ~ 7-10 minutes

S & P Oyster Company:  1 Holmes Street.  Seafood, Bar.  $$-$$$  (860) 536-2674
Sun-Thur 11:30am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-10pm.  Reservations Recommended.

Anthony J’s Bistro:  6 Holmes Street.  On street parking necessary.  Italian, American.  $$-$$$  (860) 536-0448
Daily 11am-10pm

The Engine Room: 14 Holmes Street.  Small parking lot in front, larger one in back.  American, Pub, Burgers, Craft Beers.  $$  (860) 415-8117
Mon & Thurs 12pm-10pm, Tues & Wed 4pm-10pm, Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, and Sun 10am-3pm (brunch) & 4pm-10pm (dinner)

Red 36:  2 Washington Street, but see the following directions.  At stop sign at end of Holmes Strret go across the intersection (slight jog to right) onto Cottrell Street and then take left onto Washington Street.  Need to turn right onto Willow Street and pass through a boatyard to access restaurant located on riverside.  American, Seafood.  $$-$$$  (860) 536-3604
Tues-Fri 11:30am-9:30pm & Fri-Sun 11:30am-10:30pm.  Closed Mondays.

Bravo Bravo:  20 East Main Street. At stop sign at end of Holmes Street take a left onto East Main Street (US 1); restaurant is immediately on the right.  Italian.  $$-$$$  (860) 536-3228
Lunch Tues-Sat 11:30am-2pm, Dinner Tues-Thurs & Sun 5-9pm, Fri & Sat 5-10pm.  Closed Mondays.  Reservations Recommended.

Harbour House Restaurant & Bar:  3 Williams Avenue.  Stay on Greenmanville Avenue (CT 27), which becomes Denison Avenue. Turn left onto Williams Avenue (US 1); restaurant is on right.  Seafood  $$-$$$   (860) 536-8144
Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner Daily 4-10pm

A Taste of India:  35A Williams Avenue.  Stay on Greenmanville Avenue (CT 27), which becomes Denison Avenue. Turn left onto Williams Avenue (US 1); restaurant is on left.  Indian.  $$   (860) 536-8485
Lunch Daily 11am-2pm, Dinner Daily 4-10pm

Mezza (formerly The Pita Spot):  45 Williams Avenue.  Follow above directions for A Taste of India.  Mediterranean, Lebanese.  $$  (860) 415-4656
Daily 11:30am-3pm and 5-8:30pm. [Note: might be closed on Mondays – check if interested].

MBAR:  30 Broadway Avenue.  Stay on Greenmanville Avenue (CT 27), which becomes Denison Avenue. Turn right onto Roosevelt Avenue (US 1 S).  Roosevelt Avenue becomes Broadway;  restaurant is on left.  Wine Bar, Tapas/Small Plates, Breakfast.  $$  (860) 245-4499
Breakfast & Lunch Daily 7am-3pm, Wine bar/small plates 4pm-Closing Wed-Sun
Note: open only for breakfast on Monday & Tuesday during dates of the conference

 Groton (west or farther) Side of Mystic River Drawbridge:

Directions: Take a right out of hotel entrance on Clara Drive. At the stop light take a left onto Coogan Boulevard.  Make a left at light onto Greenmanville Avenue (CT 27).  Take the third right onto Holmes Street.  At stop sign at end of Holmes Street take a right onto US 1 (West Main Street) and go across the bridge.  Follow other directions as indicated.  Travel Time ~ 8-12 minutes by car

Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream:  2 W. Main Street; on right just over the bridge.  Ice Cream, Sandwiches, Salads.  $  (860) 572-7978
Sun-Thur 11am-7pm, Fri & Sat 10am-10pm

Ancient Mariner:  21 W. Main Street, on left just over the bridge.  American, Italian, Pub  $$-$$$  (860) 536-5200
Daily 11am-10pm
 
Mystic Pizza:   56 West Main Street, near Water Street intersection.  Pizza.  $$  (860) 536-3700
Daily 10am-10pm, Delivery Hours 4-10pm

Pizzetta:  7 Water Street.  Take the first left off West Main Street onto Water Street.  Restaurant is a few buildings down on left.  Note: onstreet parking is limited, may have to park on side streets or in paid lot.  Pizza, Sandwiches.  $$  (860) 536-4443
Daily 11:30am-9pm

Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant: 12 Water Street.  Take the first left off West Main Street onto Water Street.  Restaurant is a few buildings down on right.  Note: onstreet parking is limited, may have to park on side streets or in paid lot.  Mexican, Bar.  $$  (860) 536-4589
Mon-Fri 4-10pm, Sat & Sun 11:30am-11pm

Voodoo Grill: 12 Water Street.  Take the first left off West Main Street onto Water Street.  Restaurant is a few buildings down on right.  Note: onstreet parking is limited, may have to park on side streets or in paid lot.  American, Cajun/Creole, Bar.  $$  (860) 5726-4472
Sun- Mon 12-10pm, Tue-Wed 11:30am-10:30pm, Thur 11:30am-1am, Fri-Sat 11:30am-2am

The Oyster Club:  13 Water Street.  Take the first left off West Main Street onto Water Street.  Restaurant is few buildings down on left.  Note: onstreet parking is limited, may have to park on side streets or in paid lot.  American.  $$$  (860) 415-9266
Lunch Fri 12-2pm & Sat 11am-2pm; Dinner 5-9pm Sun-Thur & 5-10pm Fri & Sat.
Closed Tuesdays.  Reservations Recommended.

Captain Daniel Packer Inne:  32 Water Street. Take the first left off West Main Street onto Water Street. Continue for two blocks (approx. 0.2 mile). Bear left when you see an island in the road. The restaurant is on the right side of the street across from a marina.  Parking is in the back of the restaurant, but has limited space.  American.  $$-$$$   (860) 536-3555
Lunch Daily 11am-4pm in the tavern, Dinner Daily 5-10pm.  Reservations Recommended.

Harp & Hound Pub:  4 Pearl Street.  Take the second right off West Main Street onto Pearl Street;  restaurant is immediately on the right.  Irish, Pub, Bar.  $$  (860) 572-7778
Mon-Thur 11:30am-1am, Fri 11:30am-2am, Sat 10am-2am, Sun 10am-1am

Communicating and Grant Writing for Science Professionals

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Communicating and Grant Writing for Science Professionals

February 26, 2017, 1 pm – 5 pm

Hilton Mystic, 20 Coogan Blvd, Mystic Connecticut

A workshop hosted by the Southern New England Chapter and Northeast Division of AFS

 

Presenters
Dr. Richard McBride, NOAA Fisheries Service
Dr. Syma Ebbin, Research Coordinator, Connecticut Sea Grant
Dr. Michelle Staudinger, Science Coordinator, DOI Northeast Climate Center
Workshop Description

This is a two-part workshop. First Dr. McBride will talk about how to effectively write a scientific paper. He will explain that you do not necessarily write a scientific paper the way you read it. If you want to know more, you need to attend! Dr. McBride will then present on how to review a scientific manuscript or proposal with a critical eye. This is a skill not often taught and is essential for any grad student or science professional. The second part of the workshop will focus on grant writing. Dr. Ebbin and Dr. Staudinger will present an introduction to grant writing for new researchers. This will be an interactive presentation and include a discussion of the different grants available and a review of the grant writing process from soup to nuts.

Agenda Sunday, February 26th
12:00 – 1:00 Registration
1:00 – 1:10 Introductions and Opening Remarks
1:10 – 2:00 Scientific Writing: Dr. Richard McBride
2:00 – 2:10 Break
2:10 – 3:00 Scientific Reviewing: Dr. Richard McBride
3:00 – 3:10 Break
3:10 – 4:40 Introduction to Grant Writing for a New Researcher: Dr. Michelle Staudinger and Dr. Syma Ebbin
4:40 – 5:00 Wrap up, questions, comments, and feedback
6:00 – 9:00 Workshop participants are invited to stay for the Welcome Social!

Adaptive Fisheries Management Workshop

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Adaptive Fisheries Management Workshop

February 26, 2017, 1 pm – 5 pm

Hilton Mystic, 20 Coogan Blvd, Mystic Connecticut

A workshop hosted by the Southern New England Chapter and Northeast Division of AFS

 

Presenters and Panellists:
Dr. Steve Cadrin, UMASS Dartmouth School for Marine Science (SMAST)
Dr. Katie Kennedy, The Nature Conservancy
Mr. Fred Mattera, President of the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation

Workshop Description
The workshop will have two components. The first will be a short series of presentations to introduce the subject of Adaptive Fisheries Management and explain how it is currently being practiced. This material is intended to provide workshop participants with practical knowledge that they will then apply during the second part of the workshop. After the presentations, a current management topic will be introduced. The presenters will walk through the process of how adaptive management was used and how stakeholders were engaged in the process. Participants will then break up into groups to discuss and practice key adaptive management skills, including how to identify management goals, develop a monitoring plan, and “close the loop” of adaptive management. The goal is to encourage participants to adopt a different way of thinking while working through the steps they would take to address a certain management issue. Participants with practical management experience should come prepared to discuss application of learned practices in the context of their own work.

Agenda Sunday, February 26th
12:00 – 1:00 Registration
1:00 – 1:15 Introductions and opening remarks
1:15 – 2:15 Principles and Practice of Adaptive Fisheries Resource Management: presentations by Dr. Katie Kennedy and Dr. Steve Cadrin
2:15 – 2:30 Break
2:30 – 3:00 Introduce a scenario: Nantucket Lightship Closed Area: why hasn't it been effective from both a management and stakeholder perspective? Mr. Fred Mattera will offer his insights
3:00 – 4:30 Break into groups to discuss one or more management contexts. Potential topics could include forage fish management, hydropower flow management, and/or how to incorporate potential effects of climate change
4:30 – 5:00 Wrap-up, questions, comments, and feedback
6:00 – 9:00 Workshop participants are invited to stay for the Welcome Social!