Seventh Workshop on Trait-based Approaches to Ocean Life

The trait-based approach describes ecosystems as consisting of functional types rather than species, characterising them by a few key traits that are interrelated through trade-offs. Examples of traits are organism’s body size, feeding mode, predator-prey size ratios, optimization for fast growth due to proteome allocation, or defence characteristics.

The rationale is that the spatio-temporal distribution of organisms and their functional role in ecosystems depend on their traits rather than on their taxonomical affiliation. As such, the trait-based approach has the potential to describe complex ecosystems in simple ways and to assess the effects of environmental change on ecosystem structure and function.

This workshop aims to discuss the latest research in trait-based ecology of the ocean encompassing all realms of life (e.g. phytoplankton, bacteria, fish, whales, corals). We invite scientists that use either experimental, statistical or modelling approaches to investigate topics related (but not limited) to the following:

• Traits and trade-offs of aquatic organisms
• Distribution of organisms and/or traits in space and time
• How organisms and their traits shape ecosystem functions

This workshop will consist of research talks, poster presentations, discussion sessions, and informal "chalk talks." Any trait-based topic is welcome for submission as an abstract. 

Application deadline: April 1, 2025. Applications received past this deadline will be considered if space allows. Notification of acceptance and registration will begin in mid-April.

Chalk Talks 

We envision the chalk talks as slide-free (chalkboard only) presentations to small groups, and could be, for example, an idea at an 

• Early-stage ideas needing feedback from participants.
• "Zombie idea"—concept that won't go away but has never made it into a publication
• Tutorials on useful methods or approaches.
• Argument for challenging/updating an established paradigm, e.g., "Is it time to set aside some long-held ideas about X?".

Discussions 

We envision discussions as being facilitated by group leaders around focused topics, with participants filling most of the space. 

Volunteering to Lead

Below, after the abstract submission, we query whether you would be willing to volunteer to lead a chalk talk or a discussion. If you are unsure now, you will have another opportunity to sign up later, if space allows.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Notification of acceptance and registration will begin in mid-April.

Registration Deadline: May 15, 2025

Workshop: August 4, 2025 - August 7, 2025

Monday, August 4

Arrival
4:00 - 6:00 pm – Session 1 | Posters; Refreshments
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:00 pm – Bonfire Social

Tuesday, August 5

7:30 - 9:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 am - 12:00 pm – Session 2 | Welcome, Keynote Talk, Research Talks
12:00 - 1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 pm – Session 3 | Keynote Talk, Chalk Talks/Discussions
3:00 pm – Break; Refreshments
4:00 - 6:00 pm – Session 4 | Posters
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:00 pm – Bonfire Social

Wednesday, August 6

7:30 - 9:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 am - 12:00 pm – Session 5 | Keynote Talk, Research Talks
12:00 - 1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 pm – Session 6 | Keynote Talk, Chalk Talks/Discussions
3:00 pm – Break; Refreshments
3:30 - 6:00 pm – Local Excursions (TBD, e.g., Monterey Bay Aquarium)
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:00 pm – Possible Evening Talk; Bonfire Social

Thursday, August 7

7:30 - 9:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 - 11:00 am – Session 7 | Research Talks
11:00 am - 12:00 pm – Wrap-up & Workshop Feedback
12:00 - 1:00 pm – Lunch
Departures

Rooms have been reserved at the Asilomar Conference Center. The all-inclusive registration will include room, meeting fees, and all meals, snacks, and drinks. 

Total Estimated Costs (subject to change slightly):

• $1,333.92 for single room occupancy
• $1,006.14 for double room occupancy (per participant)

Some financial assistance is available. Although we cannot guarantee funding, we will prioritize assisting early career researchers and those with demonstrated financial need. See the application form for more details.

Workshop participants will stay in hotel rooms at the Asilomar Conference Grounds. All rooms are a short walking distance from the main workshop meeting room, Merrill Hall. Single and double-occupancy rooms are available. Meals will be in the main dining hall at Asilomar. Shuttles from local airports (SFO and SJC) to Asilomar are available and can be reserved through Asilomar following registration.

• Ken Andersen (Technical University of Denmark)
• Andrew Barton (University of  California San Diego)
• Thomas Kiørboe (Technical University of Denmark)
• Holly Moeller (University of  California Santa Barbara)
• Camila Serra Pompei (Massachusetts Institution of Technology)
• Shlomit Sharoni  (Massachusetts Institution of Technology)
• David Talmy (University of Tennessee)
• Ben Ward (University of  Southampton, U.K.)
• Emily Zakem (Carnegie Institution for Science)

Questions about the scientific program: Emily Zakem (ezakem@carnegiescience.edu)

Questions about logistics: La Chelle Eddines (leddines@carnegiescience.edu)

News and Updates:
We encourage you to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements about the Seventh Workshop on Trait-based Approaches to Ocean Life by subscribing to our email list.