Abstract submissions and conference registration opening soon for ISBW16 and WSC2027.

Preparations are well underway for the 16th International Seagrass Biology Workshop (ISBW16) and the 2027 World Seagrass Conference (WSC2027), taking place in Abu Dhabi from 22-26 March 2027. We are pleased to announce that abstract submissions and conference registration will open soon, and both processes will be managed through this website.

Researchers, practitioners, students, and community partners will soon be invited to submit abstracts for consideration in the scientific programme. Submissions should align with one of the five conference themes: Seagrass Resilience in a Changing Climate, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning, Seagrass Restoration and Rehabilitation, Human Dimensions of Seagrass Resilience, and Innovative Tools and Technologies for Resilience.

We particularly encourage contributions that:

• Use innovative or cross-disciplinary approaches
• Integrate ecological, technological, socio-economic, or policy perspectives
• Address applied challenges in seagrass conservation and management
• Highlight global, regional, or community-based insights
• Explore emerging tools such as remote sensing, genomics, AI, or citizen science

Full details will be available on the Abstract Submissions page, where you can find guidance on themes, formats, and the review process.

Conference registration will also open shortly, with Early Bird rates available from October to December 2026. Delegates will be able to register directly through the website and select from several categories, including  delegates (academics, researchers, government, business), youth delegates (students, early career, age 18-30) and WSA members. In addition, travel-support opportunities for eligible early-career researchers will be available during registration.

We encourage all prospective participants to explore the Registration page for provisional fees, inclusions, visa information, and key policies.

Further updates will be shared when Abstract Submissions and Registration are announced as open. We look forward to welcoming the global seagrass community to Abu Dhabi for an inspiring and impactful week of science, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.