The 2020 Bays and Bayous Symposium will be held Dec. 1-3 at the Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. The theme for the 2020 event is "Sound Science, Sound Policy: A 2020 Vision for the Future." Bays and Bayous will begin at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and end at noon on Thursday, Dec. 3.

The symposium will focus on (but is not limited to) coastal science research, education and outreach in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Scientists from universities, NGOs and government agencies will share their research findings at the event, and leaders from coastal municipalities will showcase their resilience and conservation efforts. Educators and extension professionals also will present their research and successful outreach efforts.

The Bays and Bayous Symposium Program Committee is forming, and its members will guide the content of the symposium. Popular topics at past events have included oil spill impacts, habitat management and restoration, climate and hazard resilience, living resources and water quality and supply.

Typically, the symposium includes 150-200 poster and oral presentations, and the event is known as a networking opportunity for the 350-450 coastal science professionals and students who attend. The symposium also includes special awards for top student presenters.

The event is organized by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and many partners.

You can find updates and additional information, including sponsorship information, on the event website at baysandbayous.org.