2026 SEAFWA Conference

Contact: Hailey Shanovich, Climate Adaptation Service Scientist, US Geological Survey - Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Logan Benedict, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Jennifer Cartwright, US Geological Survey - Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center;  Kristine Metzger, US Geological Survey - South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center; Wes Daniels, US Geological Survey - Wetland and Aquatic Research Center


Overview:
Invasive species continue to pose substantial ecological, economic, and management challenges for fish and wildlife agencies across the Southeast and U.S. Caribbean. Changing conditions add further complexity, driving shifts in species distributions, altering disturbance regimes, and creating new pathways for establishment and spread. This symposium will highlight innovative approaches, lessons learned, and emerging needs in invasive species management across the region. Presentations will showcase state‑ and territory‑led strategies, including tools and planning efforts related to invasive wildlife and plant prevention, early detection and rapid response, monitoring, and long‑term control. With 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) revisions being completed and approved, this session provides a timely venue for states and territories to share updated priorities, challenges, and opportunities as agencies move towards implementing climate‑informed invasive species strategies using their updated planning frameworks.
In addition, the symposium will feature collaborative science and applied research that support on‑the‑ground management, including synthesis and research projects funded by the US Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs). These efforts aim to provide managers with actionable information for anticipating future risks, strengthening resilience, and enhancing coordination across jurisdictions. A key objective of the session is to help shape and strengthen the Regional Invasive Species under Climate Change (RISCC) networks in the Southeast and South Central regions. By bringing together agency staff, researchers, and practitioners, the symposium will help identify shared priorities, foster cross‑state communication, and build a more cohesive regional approach to managing invasive species under changing conditions

Contact: Jessica Feltz, Conservation Social Scientist, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Social Science Technical Committee; Jessica Feltz, Chair (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission); Mallory White, Co-chair (Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources)


Overview:
Aldo Leopold wrote that “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land” in 1949. The concept that wildlife management and conservation must take into account the role that people have on the landscape has been a guiding principle for decades. The SEAFWA Social Sciences Technical Committee (SSTC) was officially designated as a standing committee in April 2016. The committee was established with the goal of “providing a venue through which state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, and the public can provide a clearinghouse for the exchange of social science concerning wildlife and fisheries management, research techniques, wildlife law enforcement, natural resource associated outdoor recreation, and information and education”. Since the committee’s inception, Social Science capacity within Southeast state fish and wildlife agencies has nearly doubled, coupled with an expanded Human Dimension’s branch at the federal level. This increase in capacity, and therefore research alone highlights the important role Social Science provides to Conservation and Natural Resource Management. 
This Symposia will feature presentations from SSTC members and Social Science practitioners that will highlight the work and impact of Conservation Social Science in the Southeast. Presentations will include ongoing Social Science research, research methodologies, examples of how social science impacts conservation and management, collaborative efforts between Social Scientists and species/program managers, and will offer panel discussions about the importance of Social Science.