2017 - RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, USA

June 4-8, 2017

Designing our Freshwater Futures

Human civilization relies on a sustainable supply of fresh water to satisfy our thirst, water our crops, support fisheries, provide energy, and enrich our experience of nature. We are equally reliant on freshwater ecosystems to dispose of our wastes and to transport our commodities. These needs are often in conflict with one another, and unless carefully managed may both conflict with our desire to maintain the beauty and biodiversity of rivers. Much freshwater science has focused on documenting the identity and distribution of freshwater species and their loss; how our farms, cities, dams and mines degrade the physical, chemical and biological integrity of receiving streams. As a result, we are adept at documenting the decline – research designed to identify solutions has proved more elusive.

In our Raleigh 2017 meeting, we want to challenge the SFS community to shift their focus to how freshwater science can help imagine and implement solutions to the complex set of problems that plague freshwaters. Advancing our understanding of ecological processes will continue to be important, but is insufficient to meet future challenges. At SFS 2017 we will discuss and debate compelling ideas about how freshwater scientists can individually and collectively contribute to solution pathways that improve the trajectory of freshwater ecosystems. Our goal is to encourage all members of SFS to use their science to Inspire the public by sharing stories about the wonders of freshwater ecosystems; Inform stakeholders about the threats to and possibilities for future freshwater management and Insert our knowledge into real-time policy decisions, management actions, and technological innovations that will ultimately determine our freshwater future.