2009 Northern Gulf Institute Annual Conference
May 20-21, 2009 Mobile, Alabama

As the Northern Gulf Institute enters its third year, our external partnerships continue to grow. The 2009 NGI Annual Conference focus will be regional collaboration. The growing opportunities for NGI to partner in the regional activities of NOAA, the Governors' Gulf of Mexico Alliance, and others represent important pathways toward a greater regional presence and the maturing of the institute.

The NGI Annual Conference will include updates on the activities and direction of the institute, presentations by regional partners (Gulf of Mexico Alliance Priority Teams, NOAA's Gulf of Mexico Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Team, and NOAA's Gulf of Mexico Regional Collaboration Team), poster presentations, and new this year, research paper presentations by the NGI project teams.

Again this year, NGI is encouraging the participation of students at the conference. Students will be able attend the regular technical and program sessions. Students are also encouraged to participate in the paper, poster, and photography competitions. This year's photography contest is open to NGI researchers and students.

We will be meeting in Mobile this year at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel (see hotel reservation link). This new venue will allow the participation of more people and reflects feedback received in last year's meeting evaluations.

With the first round of NGI projects wrapping up this year and the beginning of the Year 4 projects nearing, NGI is experiencing an exciting year of transition. Come join us in collaboration.