ICSR2026 - Puget Sound, Washington

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.

Set in the spectacular Puget Sound region, ICSR2026 will explore the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge, modern restoration science, and community-based conservation. The conference will be held at the Little Creek Resort and Conference Center in Shelton, Washington, operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe.

Important Dates

📅 Conference Dates

October 4-8, 2026

📝 Abstract Deadline

Coming Soon

🎫 Early Bird Registration

Early 2026

🏨 Hotel Booking

Information TBA

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

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.

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

350+

Participants

25+

Countries

150+

Presentations

Registration

Registration will open in early 2026. Sign up for updates to be notified when registration becomes available.

Request Updates

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support ICSR2026 and connect with the global shellfish restoration community. Sponsorship opportunities include event support (field trips, reception, banquet) and student travel grants.

Inquire About Sponsorship

Conference Sponsors

We gratefully acknowledge our sponsors who make ICSR2026 possible through their generous support.

Puget Sound Restoration Foundation

Host Organization

The Nature Conservancy - California

Sponsor

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 info@shellfish-society.org