When the call for volunteers to help with the 2024 Bays and Bayous Symposium went out, I can’t say I immediately jumped at the opportunity. While I had attended and presented many times before, I was not sure I was ready to take on the role of program committee co-chair.
I had experience helping organize education conferences before, such as those hosted by the National Marine Educators Association and the Environmental Education Association of Alabama, but this felt different. The Bays and Bayous Symposium is unique in its goal of bringing together a diverse group research scientists, engineers, business and extension specialists, educators, college students and more — for two days of collaboration and learning focused on the Gulf of Mexico.
Thankfully, I’ve reached a point in life where I have a pretty clear sense of my strengths and limitations. I realized that bringing people together to engage in thoughtful discussions about the Gulf was something I was capable of. So, when organizers asked again for co-chairs, I accepted the challenge.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Partnerships to Preserve People and Places” was an alliterative mouthful but perfectly captured the focus of the symposium. Local, collaborative efforts were showcased through guest speakers, concurrent sessions, posters and a guest panel. Dr. Brian Davis of Mississippi State University kicked off the event with a talk on waterfowl and the critical role of collaboration in preserving and managing wetlands. His work, both in the classroom and in the field, mentoring the next generation of scientists, hunters and land managers to protect wetlands was inspiring.
The Women on the Water panel featured Elizabeth and Susan Boggs, Rosa Zirlott, and Dana Taylor — brave, resilient and sharp women who are passionate about preserving the Gulf’s resources, their livelihoods and connecting people to these vital assets. Chris Winslow, though not from the Gulf, shared valuable lessons learned from harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes that can be applied to our own coast.
The concurrent sessions, presented with varying levels of confidence — from seasoned scientists to first-time presenters — covered a wide range of topics, including conservation, restoration, management, stewardship and resilience. The audience, always supportive at B&B, responded with thoughtful questions and plenty of praise. During breaks, meals and the reception, participants had plenty of opportunities to engage with presenters and exhibitors, reconnect with old friends, and, in my case, bump into former high school students presenting posters on their master’s research!
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving as a co-chair was getting to know the other co-chairs (Hailee Nigro, Rusty Grice, Blair Morrison and Ana Wheeler) and the team members involved in the behind-the-scenes planning. The group represented all four Sea Grant focus areas, a wide range of expertise, and at least four generations! Our planning calls were both productive and insightful, often leaving me feeling nostalgic as they brought back memories of past Bays & Bayous or reminded me of colleagues from a decade ago.
So, when the call goes out for the next Bays & Bayous, don’t hesitate; say yes! I can assure you it will be a worthwhile endeavor; science and education always are!
Meet the author
JoAnn Moody
Marine Educator, Dauphin Island Sea Lab Discovery Hall Programs
As a marine educator with Dauphin Island Sea Lab Discovery Hall Programs, JoAnn Moody focuses on sharing environmental and Gulf of Mexico literacy with students of all ages. She translates and... Read more
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