The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) and the University of South Alabama will host the 40th Annual Benthic Ecology Meeting in Mobile, Alabama from March 16-20 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza and Battle House Hotel.

Benthic ecology is the study of the animals that live or feed on the ocean floor, and topics will range from the basic biology and habitat of these creatures to the effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill; from better methods for restoring oyster reefs to tracking fish and marine mammal movements throughout the world’s oceans.  Over 260 scientific talks are scheduled, as well as an extensive poster presentation, with over 115 entries.

Dr. Sean Powers, Senior Marine Scientist, DISL and Associate Professor of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, and one of the organizers of the event, states, “We are pleased to have this opportunity to showcase the great scientific capacity and wonderful achievements of Alabama's marine scientists to this international gathering of scientific minds.  We also welcome the opportunity to contribute to the vital economy of the tourism and hotel industry on the Gulf Coast."

The event is hosted by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama. Major sponsors include the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, the Northern Gulf Institute, and the University of South Alabama’s Office of Research.

For more information on the meeting and its sessions, visit http://bem.disl.org/

Note to reporters:  Please present your press credentials to the registration desk for check-in and admittance.