Theme: Change Among Working Waterfronts
The State of the Science Meeting invites abstracts for poster presentations from non-profit leaders, researchers, students, extension agents, public health administrators, clinical providers, practitioners, community health workers, and other professionals working with or within coastal and waterfront communities.
This year’s theme — “Change Among Working Waterfronts” — highlights the dynamic social, environmental, and economic shifts shaping the lives, livelihoods, and well-being of those who depend on coastal and aquatic resources. Authors are encouraged to submit abstracts that explore how change is being experienced, managed, and leveraged for resilience and improved systems capacity within working waterfronts, including fishing, aquaculture, and related maritime industries.
Abstracts should focus on translating research findings into practical solutions and implementation strategies that improve worker safety, community health, and sustainable livelihoods. Submissions from individuals with local, national, and international experiences are welcome, including those from new investigators and students.
This Call for Abstracts seeks contributions relevant to occupational safety, community resilience, and health in small-scale and commercial fishing and aquaculture industries, particularly in the context of change, adaptation, and innovation across the following topic areas:
- Gulf Coast and U.S. Caribbean working waterfront transitions, safety norms, and standards
- Disaster preparedness, response, and recovery among waterfront communities
- Emerging safety gear and vessel design technologies
- Extreme weather, coastal adaptation, and workforce impacts
- Equity in changing coastal economies
- Mental health, stress, and well-being among fishing and aquaculture workers
- Community-led innovation, workforce development, and policy change in coastal communities
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Abstracts must be submitted electronically by December 17, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET) using the link at the bottom of this page. All abstracts will be reviewed on independent merit according to a standardized process by a panel of reviewers.
Each abstract should be no more than 300 words and must follow one of the two formats below:
Structured Abstract Format
- Background: Study objectives, hypothesis, or a description of the problem
- Methodology: Study design, including participants, procedures, measures, and analyses
- Results: Specific results in summary form
- Conclusions: Main outcome or implications supported by data
Alternative Abstract Format
Suited for policy, program, intervention, or practice-based submissions
- Issues: Summary of the issue(s) addressed
- Description: Description of the project, experience, service, or advocacy program
- Lessons Learned: Summary of project results or insights
- Recommendations: Next steps or implications for practice or policy
Incomplete abstracts will not be considered.