It is a pleasure to invite you to the 2023 Meeting of the Southeast Regional Sea Turtle Network, from February 28-March 2, 2023 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama.  The meeting will include an exciting program that will highlight this year’s theme “Conservation in a Changing World”.  The program will feature special sessions, workshops, keynote speakers and invited presentations that will address major topics which are pivotal to sea turtle conservation in the southeastern U.S.

We were able to obtain a fantastic meeting location directly on the northern Gulf of Mexico (along with an unprecedented discount on the room rates).  The location of the meeting will allow us to highlight the importance of the Gulf of Mexico to sea turtle biology and conservation in the Southeastern U.S.  The meeting location also exemplifies the theme of this year’s meeting since the Gulf of Mexico represents a major ocean ecosystem that has experienced a variety of recent environmental changes that impact sea turtles.

Orange Beach and the Gulf Shores area are located nearby to a variety of natural wildlife areas, including Gulf State Park and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, both of which have the extensive dune systems and wildlife that are characteristic of this area.  Additionally, there are a variety of nearby National Historic Sites.  In fact, you can take a short ferry ride across the mouth of the Mobile Bay Channel from historic Fort Morgan to Fort Gaines, and retrace the historic “Battle of Mobile Bay” back in the 1860’s.  Adjacent to the ferry landing, you can get a true feel for the coastal marine ecosystems of the northern Gulf of Mexico by taking a short walk to the Alabama State Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

We have an exciting and informative meeting planned at a great location! We look forward to seeing you in February.

Dr. Thane Wibbels
President, SERSTN