ICSR2026

Join Us in the Pacific Northwest

The 2026 International Conference on Shellfish Restoration will bring together 300+ practitioners from 25+ countries for three days of cutting-edge research, practical workshops, and invaluable networking at the Little Creek Resort in Shelton, Washington, on the ancestral lands of the Squaxin Island Tribe.

ICSR2026 will explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, climate resilience, and modern restoration science, with keynotes and panels from four Indigenous Nations across three continents — Squaxin Island Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Halalt First Nation, and Dunghutti Nation — opening with a Welcoming Address from Chairman Kris Peters of the Squaxin Island Tribe.

Conference Theme: Engaging Communities, Collaborating with Knowledge Holders,
and Advancing Restorative Aquaculture

Key Dates

Registration

Now Open ✓

Submit Abstract

by June 12 →

300-word max · oral, poster, or lightning · July notification

Final Program Posted

July 10

Early Bird Ends

Sept 1

Hotel Block Deadline

Sept 4

Conference

Oct 4–7

View full dates, hotel booking & travel details →

Keynote & Welcoming Speakers

Welcoming Address — Monday, Oct. 5

Chairman Kris Peters

Squaxin Island Tribe

Kristopher K. Peters has served as Chairman of the Squaxin Island Tribal Council since 2020, leading a nation whose identity, culture, and economy have been inseparable from shellfish for thousands of years.

Keynote Address — Tuesday, Oct. 6

Chairman Leonard Forsman

Suquamish Tribe

Leonard Forsman has served as Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe since 2005, guiding the Tribe's work to restore and protect the health of the Salish Sea.

Keynote Speaker — Date TBD

Nicole (Coly) Norris

Halalt First Nation, British Columbia

Ala̱g̱a̱mił Nicole "Coly" Norris is a member of the Xeáltxw, Halalt First Nation, and one of the most respected Indigenous knowledge holders working in Pacific Northwest shellfish and clam garden restoration.

Keynote Speaker — Date TBD

Dr. Mitchell Gibbs

Dunghutti Nation, University of Sydney

Dr. Mitchell Gibbs is a Dunghutti man and postdoctoral researcher in geosciences at the University of Sydney, working at the intersection of Traditional Knowledge and Western science to restore shellfish reefs.

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

Kayak to Hope Island, boat tour, hatchery visit, historic oyster farm, Squaxin Island Museum, golf tournament. Shuttle provided.

🐚

Indigenous Leadership

Keynotes and sessions centering Indigenous communities, clam garden restoration, traditional ecological knowledge, and Tribal stewardship

🦪

Arrive Early: 45th Annual Oyster Fest

October 3–4 in Shelton, WA — right before ICSR 2026. World champion oyster shucking competition, seafood feast, local art and music. Shuttles available from Little Creek Casino Resort.

Learn More →

🐚 Bring a Shell from Your Waters

We invite all attendees to bring one or more shells of native shellfish from your home waters. Label each shell with the species and location. All shells will be displayed in a woven kelp basket — a collective, global symbol of the shellfish we are working to restore.

Please ensure shells are thoroughly dry-cured and free of organic material.

Early-Career & Emerging Professionals

ISRS and the ICSR 2026 host committee welcome students, early-career researchers, Indigenous practitioners, and scientists in professional transition.

Student rate $300 with valid ID
We are actively exploring mechanisms to support travel and registration for attendees with limited institutional resources. If cost is a barrier to your attendance, please email inbox@shellfish-society.org — we want to hear from you.
Questions welcome at any time