Code of Conduct

International Shellfish Restoration Society

Last Updated: November 3, 2025

Our Commitment: ISRS is dedicated to providing a harassment-free, inclusive, and professional experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, technology choices, or any other personal characteristic.

1. Expected Behavior

All conference participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, are expected to:

  • Be Respectful: Treat everyone with dignity, courtesy, and professionalism
  • Be Inclusive: Welcome and support people of all backgrounds and identities
  • Be Collaborative: Foster constructive dialogue and scientific exchange
  • Be Professional: Maintain appropriate conduct in all conference spaces
  • Be Mindful: Consider how your words and actions affect others
  • Respect Boundaries: Honor others' physical and emotional boundaries
  • Give Credit: Properly attribute ideas and acknowledge contributions

2. Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated:

2.1 Harassment

  • Offensive comments related to personal characteristics
  • Unwelcome sexual attention or advances
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
  • Inappropriate physical contact
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events
  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviors

2.2 Professional Misconduct

  • Plagiarism or misrepresentation of research
  • Unauthorized recording or photography
  • Disclosure of confidential or proprietary information
  • Disruption of presentations or events
  • Aggressive or confrontational behavior

2.3 Communication Standards

  • Use welcoming and inclusive language
  • No insults, discriminatory jokes, or derogatory terms
  • No trolling, inflammatory comments, or personal attacks
  • Respect differing viewpoints and experiences
  • Accept constructive criticism gracefully

3. Photography and Recording Policy

  • Official conference photographers are authorized to document events
  • Attendees may take photos during designated times (not during presentations without permission)
  • Recording of presentations requires explicit speaker permission
  • Respect privacy of individuals who do not wish to be photographed
  • Do not share images on social media without consent of those depicted

4. Intellectual Property Respect

  • All presentations and materials are copyrighted by their authors
  • Do not reproduce, distribute, or publish content without permission
  • Properly cite and attribute ideas discussed at the conference
  • Respect embargo policies for unpublished research

5. Reporting Violations

5.1 How to Report

If you experience or witness a Code of Conduct violation:

  • Immediate Safety Concerns: Contact venue security or call 911
  • Conference Staff: Speak with any staff member (identifiable by badge)
  • Email: conduct@shellfish-society.org
  • Anonymous Reporting: Use the online form on our website

5.2 What to Include

  • Your contact information (or submit anonymously)
  • Names of people involved
  • Description of the incident (date, time, location)
  • Witnesses, if any
  • Any supporting documentation (emails, screenshots, etc.)

5.3 Confidentiality

All reports will be handled with discretion. Your identity will be protected to the extent possible, though complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed in all cases (e.g., if legal action is required).

6. Enforcement

6.1 Response Process

  1. Receipt: Report received and acknowledged within 24 hours
  2. Investigation: Incident review by Code of Conduct committee
  3. Action: Appropriate response determined and implemented
  4. Follow-up: Reporter notified of outcome (within privacy constraints)

6.2 Possible Consequences

Violations may result in:

  • Warning: Verbal or written warning
  • Expulsion: Removal from the conference without refund
  • Ban: Prohibition from future ISRS events
  • Legal Action: Involvement of law enforcement if necessary
  • Professional Consequences: Notification to employers or professional bodies (in severe cases)

6.3 Due Process

Individuals accused of violations have the right to:

  • Be informed of the complaint
  • Respond to allegations
  • Appeal decisions

7. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to:

  • All conference venues and events
  • Social events and networking activities
  • Online conference platforms and communications
  • Social media posts related to the conference
  • Interactions between attendees in conference-related contexts

8. Accommodations

ISRS is committed to accessibility. If you require accommodations to participate fully:

9. Questions

Questions about this Code of Conduct? Contact us:

Email: conduct@shellfish-society.org
Subject Line: "Code of Conduct Question"

Remember: We're all here to learn, share, and advance shellfish restoration science. By following this Code of Conduct, you contribute to a welcoming, productive, and inspiring conference experience for everyone.

Home | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy

Adapted from the Conference Code of Conduct and other open source codes of conduct.