Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce and would like to extend an invitation to submit abstracts for a unique Social-Ocean Science Interactions and SDGs session at the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2022, to be held starting February 27, 2022 in Honolulu, HI. The title of the hybrid session is "Syncing Silos: Bridging Scientific Divides in Government to Improve Responsible Stewardship of Ocean Resources". Abstracts are due September 29, 2021. More information on the session: OS17 Syncing Silos: Bridging Scientific Divides in Government to Improve Responsible Stewardship of Ocean Resources Complex marine and coastal environmental challenges require a collaborative approach to fully achieve government’s stewardship and conservation responsibilities. Merging the environmental, social, and economic sciences towards common goals is critical for efficiently and effectively protecting the natural and human environments and resources they rely on. This session aims to foster a discussion about the challenges and possible solutions for using cross-disciplinary and inclusive approaches to natural resource management decisions. With a focus on how to better connect the environmental and social sciences, this session will offer an opportunity to explore needs, approaches, and best practices for engaging with diverse stakeholders to strengthen science-based information for government actions. Discussion on how government stewardship decisions can address environmental justice issues and community needs, especially considering people that may be disproportionately impacted by natural and anthropogenic changes, is also highly encouraged. Presentations may include descriptions of needs, projects, programs, outreach and engagement activities, or other initiatives that explore how collaboration in the sciences can improve stewardship of the ocean’s resources. This session encourages participation by members of all levels of government, academia, organizations working on behalf of the government, and those working collaboratively with the government. Organizers: Laura Mansfield, laura.mansfield@boem.gov Stephanie Sharuga, stephanie.sharuga@boem.gov For more detailed guidelines and instructions on submitting an abstract, refer to: https://www.aslo.org/osm2022/abstract-guidelines/. To view the session and submit an abstract, please go to the following link: Ocean Sciences Meeting 2022 - Ocean Sciences Meeting 2022 NOTE: An abstract fee is required when submitting; however, this fee can be deferred to be paid later by selecting "pay by check." Potential Topics May Include (but are not limited to - we're flexible!): * Discussions of challenges for academia, NGOs, government, etc. and how interdisciplinary collaborative approaches can provide solutions * Logistical discussions of how interdisciplinary collaborative approaches can be promoted and/or funded * Examples of partnerships, projects, and programs that promote/fund interdisciplinary work * Examples of innovative business approaches or organizational structures and/or best practices that facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration * Examples of the benefits of interdisciplinary collaborative approaches It is our goal to have a very diverse session representing innovations, programs, and perspectives from around the world. International and early career scientists and professionals, as well as students, are thus highly encouraged to submit abstracts. Please share this announcement widely among your peers! Feel free to contact me or my co-chairs if you have any questions. We look forward to hopefully seeing you all there! Stephanie Sharuga, PhD Interdisciplinary Scientist | Biologist | Resource Advisor (READ)703.787.1125 | stephanie.sharuga@boem.govBranch of Environmental Consultation | OEP | BOEM