MTS TechSurge: Fisheries & Benthic Monitoring


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Date: October 8–9, 2025
Location: University of Rhode Island - Bay Campus (Narragansett, Rhode Island)

MTS in partnership with Rhode Island Sea Grant and the University of Rhode Island (URI), and in collaboration with the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) and the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), invites you to save the date for the Fisheries & Benthic Monitoring TechSurge.

This focused, two-day TechSurge will convene experts from across sectors to explore advancements in monitoring technologies and practices that support responsible offshore development.

Program Highlights Include:

  • Advancements in benthic mapping technologies
  • The use of technology to transition from traditional survey methods, including highlights on new innovations
  • Monitoring technologies applicable to offshore development
  • A panel featuring perspectives from members of the fishing community

The TechSurge will feature a combination of curated panels, an open call for abstracts, and the Tech Café—an interactive exhibit hall showcasing innovative technologies through desktop demonstrations, along with lightning talks from both industry and student participants.

Contact [email protected] for questions.

By registering for this event, all attendees, regardless of MTS membership status, agree to adhere to the Marine Technology Society's Code of Conduct.


Important Dates

Early Bird Registration:  Ends August 8, 2025
Call for Abstracts: Deadline to submit June 20, 2025
Abstract Notification: July 30, 2025
Abstract Presentations Due: September 26, 2025


 Abstracts Topics (Due June 20)

The speaker program is structured around focused thematic sessions, each featuring concise presentations followed by interactive Q&A panel discussions. Abstracts are now being accepted for the following topics until June 20. Click here to submit.

  • Advancements in seafloor and benthic community mapping technologies: This session invites advancements in benthic mapping technologies that enable more nimble surveys with decreased mobilization times, longer work times across various sea states and distances from shore, and capable of the data resolutions necessary for identifying safety hazards, historical resources, and fisheries habitats (e.g., continuous acoustic data collection, high-resolution seafloor imagery).
  • Use of technology and/or methodologies to transition from traditional survey: This session will cover advancements in marine fisheries and habitat resource survey technologies, software, or platforms that facilitate the transition from conventional methods to improved solutions, enhancing the resilience of long-term monitoring programs and their historical data series.
  • Monitoring technologies applicable to offshore development: This session invites presentations and updates from technology providers and projects using technology and novel approaches to conduct environmental monitoring offshore. Examples include applications of eDNA sampling, imaging techniques, mechanisms to transmit data from remote locations (e.g., satellite linkages, cabled arrays), and software methodologies (e.g., AI techniques for analyzing and interpreting / data).

NOTE: 

We recognize that travel restrictions may impact some participants’ ability to attend in person. In response, we are actively exploring virtual participation options to ensure broader access and engagement in this TechSurge.

If you are unable to confirm your travel at this time but are still interested in contributing, we encourage you to submit your abstract or reach out to us at [email protected]. We are committed to working with all interested contributors and will provide flexibility wherever possible.

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT (DUE JUNE 20, 2025)

Registration

Category Early Bird Rates (Deadline: August 8, 2025) After Early Bird Rates
MTS Members* $175 $225
Non-Members $270 (includes 1-year MTS membership) $320 (includes 1-year MTS membership)
ECOP Members (No Deadline) $100 $100
ECOP Non-Members (No Deadline) $150 (includes 1-year MTS membership) $150 (includes 1-year MTS membership)
Student Members (No Deadline) $50 $50
Student Non-Members (No Deadline) $75 $75

*Discounted rates are available for qualifying start-up companies. To receive a start-up discount code, please email [email protected] and be prepared to share brief details about your company’s age, financial status, and employee count.

By registering for this event, all attendees, regardless of MTS membership status, agree to adhere to the Marine Technology Society's Code of Conduct.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Sponsorship

Platinum Sponsor

Cost – $10,000 USD. Platinum sponsors receive one (1) exhibit table, ten (10) complimentary registrations, a 10-minute speaking opportunity during the main sessions*, and the option to host a facility tour for attendees (local sponsors only). Your company’s logo will be prominently displayed on the event website and materials. You will also receive social media recognition.

*Platinum Sponsors may opt in to a 10-minute speaking slot during the main program. This presentation must focus on industry insights and educational content, not promotional material. Sponsors must submit all content, including speaker nominations and presentation materials, at least two weeks before the event for review. MTS will evaluate these materials to ensure they comply with our guidelines and are suitable for our audience. MTS retains the right to veto content, request revisions, or reject proposed speakers if they fail to meet our standards or are deemed inappropriate for our attendees. Presentations must adhere strictly to the allotted time.

Gold Sponsor

Cost – $5,000 USD. Gold sponsors receive one (1) Tech Café table, five (5) event registrations, recognition on the event website and materials, and social media promotion.

Silver Sponsor

Cost – $2,500 USD. Silver sponsors receive one (1) Tech Café table, three (3) event registrations, and recognition on the event website and materials.

Bronze

Cost – $1,000 USD. Bronze sponsors receive one (1) event registration and recognition on the event website and materials.

Other Opportunities

Looking for a custom sponsorship option? Contact us at [email protected] —we are happy to explore flexible opportunities that align with your goals.


Thank You to Our Sponsors

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Tech Cafe Exhibit Opportunities

The Tech Café will feature live desktop demonstrations that showcases technologies and platforms. It is an opportunity to engage with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and make connections with industry experts, research scientists, government representatives, and technology providers. 

Exhibit tables are available to showcase your platform or technology at the Tech Café. 

  • Cost to exhibit: $300 
  • Includes: 4' x 6' table, a tablecloth, and opportunity for a 5 minute lighting talk

Spots are limited! If funding poses an issue, please reach out to [email protected] for assistance. We are offering a flexible price model. 


Travel Information 

Coming soon!