2027 Indian River Lagoon Symposium
The Indian River Lagoon Symposium (IRLS) is a multi-institutional, multi-agency effort one-day event hosted annually at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Since 2012, the symposium has provided a forum for sharing science and its application to the management and stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon. The event brings together scientists, decision-makers, students, educators, and the public to exchange research findings, foster dialogue, and support informed decision-making for the lagoon’s future. Oral presentations and posters on all aspects of lagoon science are encouraged.
2027 Theme: Sentinels of the Lagoon: Species, Habitats, and Signals of Change
The Lagoon is always telling us something. From the species that thrive within it to the habitats that support them, the Indian River Lagoon holds a wealth of signals about the health and changing conditions of our coastal environment.
The 2027 IRL Symposium, taking place February 18 at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, will explore these connections through the theme “Sentinels of the Lagoon: Species, Habitats, and Signals of Change.” The symposium will bring together researchers, resource managers, students, and community partners to examine the species, habitats, and ecological indicators that help us understand where the lagoon has been, where it is today, and where it may be headed.
Save the Date
Mark your calendar for the 2027 IRL Symposium, taking place February 18, 2027, at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. We look forward to bringing together researchers, resource managers, students, and community partners for a day of conversation, discovery, and collaboration focused on the Indian River Lagoon. Here are some important dates you need to know:
- Opens October 12, 2026
- Closes November 23, 2026
- Opens December 15, 2026
- Closes January 31, 2027 (or until sold out)
Registration Fees
- Regular/Professional: $80
- Student - Graduate: $40
- Student - Undergraduate: $30
- Student - High School: $30
Congratulations to the 2026 Award Winners
Each year, the symposium recognizes outstanding student research and science communication. We are proud to congratulate the following award recipients for their exceptional presentations and contributions.
Outstanding Student Presentation Awards
Outstanding Student Presentation Award – Best Digital Poster
Giuliana Vomero Fernandez
– Florida Atlantic University
The Discovery Floating Classroom: Educating Future Scientists and Environmental Leaders
The Leroy Creswell Best Student Poster Award
Jordyn Delikat
– University of Central Florida
Shards in the System: Tracing Basalt Through the Oyster Crassostrea virginica
Outstanding Student Presentation Award – 3-Minute Oral Presentation
Katherine Harris
– University of Central Florida
Multi-Stressor Decline of Oyster Density in Mosquito Lagoon: Heat, Brown Tide, and Mangrove Refuge
Outstanding Student Presentation Award – 10-Minute Oral Presentation
Jonathan Terzado
– Florida Atlantic University
High-Resolution Electrochemical Profiling Reveals Disparate Levels of Sediment Sulfate Reduction Between
the North and South Forks of the St. Lucie Estuary
IRLNEP Promising Scientist Award
Sharanya Natarajan
– Edgewood Jr/Sr High School
An Integrated Detection and Delivery System to Abate Contaminants in Water Bodies
Dennis Hanisak Storyteller Award
Cecilia Hampton
– Florida Atlantic University
Habitat Use During Foraging and Other Behaviors by Whitespotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) in the
Indian River Lagoon, Revealed by Novel Biologging Technologies
People’s Choice Awards
People’s Choice Award – Best Student Poster Presentation
Janie Reavis
– Arizona State University
From Turtle Trials to Marine Applications: A Controlled Facility for Testing Wildlife Behavior
People’s Choice Award – Best Student Poster Presentation
Jordyn Delikat
– University of Central Florida
Shards in the System: Tracing Basalt Through the Oyster Crassostrea virginica
People’s Choice Award – Best Student 3-Minute Oral Presentation
Katherine Harris
– University of Central Florida
Multi-Stressor Decline of Oyster Density in Mosquito Lagoon: Heat, Brown Tide, and Mangrove Refuge
People’s Choice Award – Best Student 10-Minute Oral Presentation
Tara Blanchard
– University of Central Florida
Don’t Go Breaking Apart: How Habitat Fragmentation Affects Oyster Reef Biodiversity
Presenter’s Guide & Abstract Information
Find everything you need to prepare and submit your abstract, along with important presentation guidelines and information for symposium presenters.
IRL Symposium FAQ
Find answers to common questions about the IRL Symposium, including registration, submissions, attendance, presentations, and other event details.
Opportunities to Participate
Explore ways to get involved, whether as a presenter, attendee, sponsor, or judge.
About the IRL Symposium
Learn about the mission, history, and purpose of the Indian River Lagoon Symposium.
Learn More About the Venue
Plan your visit to FAU Harbor Branch and explore the Indian River Lagoon.
Contact Us
Have questions? Please email irlsymposium@fau.edu