CONFERENCE THEMES

1. Linking pattern and process in marine systems: Physical and biological processes influence biogeographic patterns in marine ecosystems at both ecological and geological timescales. This session is the overarching theme for the conference. It will explore multidisciplinary and multi-scalar approaches to habitat mapping, monitoring temporal change in benthic ecosystems and case histories. 

2. Habitat mapping for conservation and management purposes: Habitat mapping provides marine decision makers with information to make more informed choices.  This session will explore applications in ecosystem-based and integrated ocean management, marine reserve design and performance, risk assessment, fisheries and other aspects of marine spatial planning. Presentations from research, industry and management are welcome.

3. Acoustic Backscatter processing, classification tools and applications: This session will focus on the technical aspects of backscatter signal processing and classification and advancements following from the backscatter workshop held in GeoHab 2013, Rome.

4. Methods, innovations and approaches to mapping marine habitats: This session will explore predictive modeling, automated classification, and new techniques, technology and innovations for mapping habitats. Approaches for ground truthing techniques in habitat characterisation will also be welcomed including aspects such as survey design, optimisation and dealing with data issues such as spatial autocorrelation and uncertainty.

5. Open shelf and reef habitats: Australia’s marine jurisdiction and extensive latitudinal gradient supports diverse open shelf and reef habitats from the extensive coral reefs of the tropics to the macroalgae and sponge dominated communities on temperate reefs. This session invites presentations on habitats associated with distinct reef morphology. Investigations from shallow, mesophotic and deep reefs from Australia and abroad are welcomed.

6. Marine terrestrial connections: Near shore marine zones are recognised as being most vulnerable to threats due to their proximity to anthropogenic activities. These include nutrient inputs, invasive marine pests, fisheries over-exploitation and climate change. This session invites speakers showcasing methodological approaches to map near shore zones including the application of shallow water acoustics, satellite and airborne sensors for habitat characterisation. The investigation of land-water interactions and effects on marine habitats are also welcomed. [THEME CANCELLED]