Dear Colleagues, We would like to invite you to take part in the upcoming special symposium on "Marine Mammals in Australian coastal waters - impacts, threats and challenges" as part of the 2013 Golden Jubilee Conference of the Australian Marine Science Association on the Gold Coast, Australia, 7-11 July 2013. SS12. Marine Mammals in Australian coastal waters - impacts, threats and challenges Increasing coastal development around Australia including port development, shipping channels, gas and oil exploration, boating and pollution are putting a new challenge on marine mammals in near shore waters. Recent studies have demonstrated that coastal urbanisation is becoming a critical stress factor for cetaceans, pinnipeds and sirenia. This symposium will bring together a wide range of studies on impacts of coastal development on marine mammal populations and how these impacts can be mitigated. A particular focus is set on the gas and oil exploration and mining boom. Some sub-sessions around this theme maybe created, depending on the diversity of responses. We are inviting abstract submissions on related topics to be considered for poster or oral presentations. For information on abstract preparation and submission, go to: <http://www.amsa-nzmss2012.com.au/> http://www.amsaconference.com.au/ select 'Presentations' then 'Abstract Preparation' in the dropdown menu. Abstract submission is due by FRIDAY 15TH MARCH 2013 Please feel free to spread the information to your colleagues/students who might be interested. Looking forward to your contribution and seeing you on the Gold Coast. Olaf Meynecke and Liz Hawkins Olaf Meynecke Adjunct Research Fellow - Marine Systems Australian Rivers Institute (ARI) - Coast & Estuaries Griffith University - Gold Coast campus QUEENSLAND, 4222 Office: (07) 5552 8638 Mobile: 0423115503 www.rivers.edu.au www.humpbacksandhighrises.org <http://www.humpbacksandhighrises.org/> Join us Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Humpbacks-High-Rises/134117459981112> Twitter <https://mobile.twitter.com/humpbacks_high> Vimeo <http://vimeo.com/channels/190033> Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz@dolphinresearchaustralia.com Ph: 0407 646 069 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/> ABN: 42095866467