SAVE THE DATE!
ICSR2026
Hosted by Puget Sound Restoration Fund
Little Creek Casino Resort, Shelton, Washington
October 4-7, 2026
Join Us in the Pacific Northwest
The 2026 International Conference on Shellfish Restoration will bring together the global restoration community for four days of cutting-edge research, practical workshops, and invaluable networking with restoration practitioners from around the world.
Conference Theme: Engaging Communities, Collaborating with Knowledge Holders, and Advancing Restorative Aquaculture
Set in the spectacular Puget Sound region, ICSR2026 will explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, climate resilience, and modern restoration science. The conference will be held at the Little Creek Resort and Conference Center in Shelton, Washington, operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe.
The conference will open with a Welcoming Address from Chairman Kris Peters, of the Squaxin Island Tribe, honoring the deep cultural connections between the Squaxin peoples and shellfish resources.
A Global Gathering Since 1996
Worldwide Heritage
Since the first ICSR in 1996, this conference has been held worldwide—from the United States to Canada, Scotland, Australia, and beyond—fostering lasting collaborations and friendships among practitioners on the leading edge of molluscan shellfish restoration.
Indigenous Leadership
ICSR2026 places Indigenous communities at the center of shellfish restoration dialogue. We welcome practitioners, growers, researchers, Indigenous knowledge holders, and natural resources managers to learn from millennia of traditional ecological knowledge integrated with modern restoration science.
Conference Materials
View or download our official conference prospectus and save-the-date announcement
Important Dates
📅 Conference Dates
October 4-7, 2026
📝 Abstract Deadline
June 12 or 19, 2026
Call for abstracts opens April 2026
🎫 Registration
Opens April 2026
Early Bird closes Sept 1 | Hotel deadline Sept 4
ISRS membership included with registration
🏨 Hotel Booking
Call 800.667.7711 — mention ICSR 2026
Or book online with code 1026ICSR / password RESTORE2026
Block deadline: Sept 4, 2026
What to Expect
Cutting-Edge Research
Oral presentations and lightning talks on oyster dynamics, habitat monitoring, urban restoration, species interactions, reef structures, and climate adaptation
Hands-On Workshops
Interactive sessions on restoration planning, monitoring protocols, community engagement, traditional knowledge, funding, and data analysis
Field Trips
Site visits to Tribal restoration sites, Puget Sound oyster reefs, urban shoreline projects, Olympia oyster recovery, and geoduck restoration
Networking
Welcome reception, poster sessions, conference banquet, regional network meetings, and informal gatherings throughout the week
Keynote & Welcoming Speakers
Keynote Speaker — Date TBD
Nicole (Coly) Norris
Halalt First Nation, British Columbia
Halalt First Nation →Keynote Speaker — Date TBD
Mitch Gibbs
Dunghutti Nation, University of Sydney
University of Sydney →Conference Sessions
Program chaired by Julieta Martinelli, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Restoring Indigenous & Ancestral Shellfish Mariculture
Chairs: Marco Hatch / Melissa Poe
Hatchery Innovations, Upscaling & Industry
Chair: Matt Gray (confirmed)
Restorative Aquaculture
Chair: Tiffany Waters (confirmed)
Genetics, Disease & Biosecurity
Chair: Louis Plough, USDA (confirmed)
Using Geohistorical Data to Inform Restoration Practices
Chair: Greg Dietl (confirmed)
Urban Shellfish Restoration
Chairs: Katie Mosher, Carolyn Khoury, Tanasia Swift, BOP (confirmed)
Restoration of Other Molluscs and Inverts
Chair: Jeff Hetrick, Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute (confirmed)
Ostrea Panel: NORA–NOOC–Aus
Chair: Kerstin Wasson, Elkhorn Slough/NOOC
Climate Change Preparedness & Resilience Building
Chair: TBD
Shell Recycling
Chair: TBD
Outreach, Creative Communications & Storytelling
Chair: Phoebe Racine, TNC-CA (confirmed)
Special Events
🐟 Traditional Salmon & Clam Cookout
Tuesday, Oct. 6 — A Salish Sea Low Country Boil hosted by Squaxin Island Tribe at Little Creek. Clams provided by Squaxin; fish donations sought from Salish Seafoods and Jamestown Seafoods.
🎤 Lessons Learned Panel & Happy Hour
Monday, Oct. 5 — Sharing worst mistakes and best lessons from the field.
🖼️ Poster Session & Art Show/Auction
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4:30–5:30pm — 7–8 exhibitors plus local artists sharing shellfish-inspired photography, books, and jewelry. (Coordinated by Lisa Paton)
🚌 Field Trips
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2pm onwards — Squaxin Island Tribe Cultural Museum, commercial farms & facilities, Squaxin's Clam Fresh Shellfish Farm and Hatchery, conservation/tribal hatcheries, and a golf tournament.
🦪 Low Tide Field Trips
Thursday, Oct. 8, 9am–noon — Visit a natural Olympia oyster bed during morning low tide. Optional post-conference activity.
Conference Venue at Squaxin Island Tribe Territory
ICSR2026 will be held at the Little Creek Resort and Conference Center, operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe in Shelton, Washington. The Squaxin Island people's ancestral territory includes much of southern Puget Sound, and they have been stewards of shellfish resources for thousands of years, maintaining deep cultural and spiritual connections to clams, oysters, and other shellfish.
Today, the Tribe continues this tradition through active shellfish management, restoration programs, and aquaculture operations, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science. ICSR2026 will provide unique opportunities to learn from Tribal restoration practitioners and experience Indigenous approaches to shellfish stewardship.
Travel & Lodging
🏨 Accommodations
Lodging for all participants can be arranged with Little Creek. The Resort offers comfortable rooms, dining options, and all conference facilities on-site.
- By phone: Call 800.667.7711 and mention block name International Conference on Shellfish Restoration - ICSR 2026
- Online: Book at Little Creek — Group Code: 1026ICSR | Password: RESTORE2026
✈️ Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is the closest major airport, approximately 60 miles north of Shelton. Rental cars and shuttle services are available.
📍 Location
The resort is located in Shelton, Washington, a short drive from Olympia (Washington's state capital). The scenic drive from Sea-Tac takes you through the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscape.
Why Puget Sound?
Puget Sound is a global hotspot for shellfish restoration innovation
with deep cultural connections to shellfish:
Diverse Species
Home to native Olympia oysters, Pacific oysters, geoduck clams, Manila clams, and numerous other shellfish species.
Research Excellence
Leading universities and research institutions advancing shellfish science and restoration techniques.
Tribal Leadership
Coast Salish Tribes leading innovative restoration programs rooted in traditional knowledge.
Active Restoration
Dozens of ongoing restoration projects addressing water quality, habitat loss, and climate change.
🌏 Policy Innovation
Progressive shellfish management and restoration policies serving as models for other regions.
🌿 Ecosystem Focus
Holistic approaches integrating shellfish restoration with broader coastal ecosystem recovery.
Expected Attendance
250
Attendance Goal
25+
Countries
150+
Presentations
Registration
Registration opens Spring 2026. Sign up for updates to be notified when registration becomes available.
Request UpdatesSponsorship Opportunities
Support ICSR2026 and connect with the global shellfish restoration community. Sponsorship opportunities include event support (field trips, reception, banquet) and student travel grants.
View Sponsorship OpportunitiesConference Sponsors
Thank you to our founding sponsors
Host Organization
Olys Sponsor — California & Washington
Code of Conduct
ICSR2026 is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and inappropriate behavior. All attendees are expected to treat each other with respect, welcome diverse perspectives, and refrain from unauthorized photography or recording.
Questions or concerns? Contact us at inbox@shellfish-society.org