The premier global gathering for shellfish restoration science and practice since 1996
Since 1996, the International Conference on Shellfish Restoration has convened the global restoration community every two years. ICSR brings together 300+ participants from 20+ countries, creating unparalleled opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation.
The conference features cutting-edge research presentations, interactive workshops, field visits, panel discussions, and networking events that advance the science and practice of shellfish restoration worldwide.
Leading researchers presenting the latest findings in shellfish ecology, restoration techniques, and ecosystem services.
On-the-ground experts sharing lessons learned and innovative approaches from real-world projects.
Government officials and natural resource managers developing restoration policies and programs.
NGOs and nonprofits leading restoration initiatives across coastal ecosystems.
Traditional knowledge holders and stewards of shellfish resources and coastal habitats.
Graduate students and early-career researchers building the next generation of restoration expertise.
Oral presentations and lightning talks showcasing the latest research on oyster population dynamics, habitat assessment, urban restoration, species interactions, and restoration monitoring.
Hands-on sessions covering restoration techniques, monitoring protocols, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project planning.
Site visits to active restoration projects, providing firsthand experience with local restoration approaches and challenges.
Expert panels addressing policy, funding, partnerships, climate adaptation, and emerging restoration challenges.
Evening poster presentations allowing in-depth discussions of research and restoration projects.
Welcome receptions, banquets, and social activities fostering connections across the global community.
ICSR has convened biannually since 1996, spanning four continents and bringing together thousands of restoration professionals over nearly three decades.
300+ attendees | 150+ presentations | 23 countries
Record-breaking attendance with presentations covering novel restoration techniques, climate adaptation, and ecosystem services valuation.
Global pandemic adaptation enabled worldwide participation with international speakers across multiple time zones.
First ICSR in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring unique perspectives on temperate and subtropical shellfish restoration.
Focus on Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts and large-scale ecosystem recovery programs.
Emphasis on oyster reef restoration and living shorelines in the southeastern United States.
Showcased restoration in subtropical environments and addressed climate change impacts.
Tenth conference milestone celebrating progress in restoration science and practice.
European conference highlighting North Sea restoration and international collaboration.
Focus on European oyster (Ostrea edulis) restoration and habitat restoration techniques.
Addressed emerging restoration challenges and innovative reef construction methods.
Emphasized urban restoration and the role of shellfish in improving water quality.
First ICSR outside North America, expanding the conference's international reach.
Second conference building on the momentum of the inaugural gathering.
Inaugural Conference - The beginning of a global movement to advance shellfish restoration science and practice.
Attendees
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ICSR is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and inappropriate behavior.
Reporting: Participants who experience or witness harassment should contact conference organizers at info@shellfish-society.org
Puget Sound, Washington State | October 4-8, 2026
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