Coastal Zone Canada Conference 2025
June 9 - 11, 2025 Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Engaging keynote speakers, panel discussions and break-out groups
Network with hundreds of people with a passion for the coastal environment
Conference Information
Book of Abstracts
Book of Abstracts
This Book of Abstracts showcases the research and insights presented at our event, highlighting contributions from professionals and researchers across diverse disciplines.
Please note that only abstracts for which authors granted permission for public sharing are included in this collection. The content reflects the authors’ original work and perspectives, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration within the community.
Welcome
Welcome
The theme of #CZC2025 is: “Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Relationships”.
Recognizing the importance of sharing different perspectives, knowledge systems, experiences, and efforts within coastal zones, the focus of this year’s conference is relationships. Whether the relationships are with land, water, ice, wildlife, or humans, their strength and diversity are critical in building collective resilience.
As Canada's national conference for coastal zone management, we invite everyone who works within coastal zones to come and connect to share our passion for advancing knowledge building, best practices, and social and policy awareness. Drawing engineers, scientists, youth, artists, planners, climate change practitioners, community leaders, and more - this conference looks to push coastal zone management to new heights by bringing together different actors and knowledge holders to facilitate a better understanding of different pressures and opportunities as well as enable more impactful collaborations.
Theme
Conference Theme
The conference theme is “Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Relationships”.
The sub-themes this year focus on resilience and relationships within the coastal zone:
- Environmental processes - Understanding and responding to physical, biological, and chemical coastal processes, including how they are influenced by climate change
- Strengthening resilience of the coasts – Supporting coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, culture, and livelihoods
- Coastal care and management – Care, stewardship and management in a changing coastal environment
- Relationships and relations – Our relationships and relations with the land, water, ice, and all living beings along the coasts and how they are changing
- Health and wellbeing of people and communities – The role of coasts in physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and community wellbeing
Topics:
- Exploring the coast, land-to-sea continuum, and cryosphere
- Observing and monitoring to inform responses to coastal and ocean processes
- Physical and numerical modeling, and predicting coastal and ocean processes and impacts
- Examining coastal ecosystems, changes, and responses to climate change
- Understanding coasts and the carbon cycle – climate change mitigation
- Responding to coastal processes using different knowledge systems
- Advancing innovations in approaches, techniques, and technologies
- Advancing coastal engineering along the grey to green continuum
- Using nature-based approaches for coastal adaptation and climate change mitigation
- Working as/with nature and making room for movement
- Addressing community (human and other-than-human) vulnerability to coastal, ocean, and climate-related hazards
- Embedding climate change action in coastal community planning and land-use planning
- Assessing risks and vulnerabilities for coastal flooding, erosion, climate change and other hazards
- Planning and implementing coastal and marine emergency response
- Advancing innovations in coastal and marine planning
- Conserving, restoring, and protecting coastal and marine areas, ecosystems, habitat, biodiversity, and species
- Highlighting Indigenous-led coastal and marine stewardship
- Assessing and managing coastal cumulative effects
- Monitoring and managing invasive species
- Addressing coastal pollution, coastal MEQ, and waste management
- Advancing education for coastal care, stewardship, and management
- Upholding treaty rights and decolonizing the coast
- Depoliticizing the coast
- Building authentic and sustainable relationships among Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners
- Communicating about the coast through science, music, art, and literature
- Bridging knowledge systems and Two-Eyed Seeing in coastal and oceans stewardship
- Nurturing relations through community-based and cooperative coastal monitoring and management
- Advancing collaborative governance and stewardship for the coast
- Reconnecting the disconnected coast
- Increasing food security through coastal and marine resources
- Stewarding coastal cultural resilience under a changing climate
- Supporting the working coast and livelihoods - harbours, ports, waterfronts, recreation spaces
- Addressing private interests and public good - the coastal common and coastal access for coastal societies
- Re-imagining the/a ‘good coastal life’
- Understanding attachment to place and the changing coastal landscape
- Relocating and re-creating - just solutions for retreat from the coast
Conference Venue
Conference Venue
Coastal Zone Canada 2025 will be hosted at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Charlottetown, PEI. UPEI offers a modern and welcoming setting for conference sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, all within a campus that reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Attendees will have access to:
- State-of-the-art facilities, including lecture halls, breakout rooms, and exhibition spaces.
- Advanced technology and accessibility features to support an inclusive experience.
- Scenic and walkable surroundings, with green spaces and gathering areas ideal for collaboration.
- On-campus accommodations and dining options, ensuring convenience throughout the event.
Located in the heart of Prince Edward Island’s capital, UPEI provides an inspiring setting for discussions on coastal and ocean sustainability. Join us at Coastal Zone Canada 2025 and be part of the conversation shaping the future of our coastal zones.
Floor Plans
Accessibility at the UPEI
All areas of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) feature fully accessible facilities. For detailed information on accessibility features—including elevators, lifts, ramps, automatic doors, and accessible parking—please visit the UPEI website for maps and descriptions.
Coastal Zone Canada is also pleased to offer accessible quiet rooms in both conference buildings. Specific locations will be shared prior to the start of the conference.
UPEI Campus Map
Performing Arts Centre - South Tower - Level 1
McDougall Hall - Main Level
Call for Abstracts
Call for Abstracts
The Coastal Zone Canada Association (CZCA) is excited to announce the call for abstracts for our upcoming conference CZC 2025: Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Relationships! This three-day event will take place in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada June 9 to 11, 2025.
The sub-themes this year focus on resilience and relationships within the coastal zone:
- Environmental processes - Understanding and responding to physical, biological, and chemical coastal processes, including how they are influenced by climate change
- Strengthening resilience of the coasts – Supporting coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, culture, and livelihoods
- Coastal care and management – Care, stewardship and management in a changing coastal environment
- Relationships and relations – Our relationships and relations with the land, water, ice, and all living beings along the coasts and how they are changing
- Health and wellbeing of people and communities – The role of coasts in physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and community wellbeing
The conference aims to create a space where different knowledge systems, practices, stories, and perspectives can come together and learn from each other. The goals are to collectively navigate what coastal stewardship and management could look like through the lens of relationships; build common ground across communities, professions, sectors, goals, and values; and connect over a shared passion for coastal zone resilience.
We are looking for submissions such as case study, professional practice, and research presentations; panel sessions; posters; collaborative workshops; performances; art displays; and hands-on activities. We encourage submissions that support the conference goals and follow one or more sub-themes. Abstracts can be based in governance and policy, ocean science, social science, engineering, arts and culture, community care and building, and more. Submissions that look through the lens of relationships and resilience, and include multiple voices and diverse perspectives will be prioritized.
The Call for Abstracts is now closed.
Participation Grant
Early Career Professionals Participation Grant
We are excited to offer up to four (4) conference participation grants to early career professionals to join us in Prince Edward Island for the 2025 Coastal Zone Canada Conference, made possible by the generous support of our Coastal Zone Canada 2025 Sponsors.
The participation grant includes airfare, four (4) nights’ accommodation, and complimentary conference registration. Note that some conditions will apply. To be eligible, applicants must be early career professionals (defined as those with no more than 10 years in their current discipline, whether professional, academic, community champion, artist, or as a student). Applications will only be reviewed for applicants that have submitted an abstract.
To apply for a participation grant, please complete the following information in PDF format and email to: Jen Gibson [email protected] by January 15, 2025 11:59 pm ADT with the subject line: CZC2025 – Participation Grant.
- Full name
- Contact information (e-mail)
- Discipline / profession/ passion
- Years active in your discipline / profession / passion
- Location in Canada (e.g., Arctic, Great Lakes / Central Canada, Western Canada, Eastern Canada)
- 300-word statement explaining your motivation for attending the 2025 Coastal Zone Canada Conference and what you hope to gain from the experience
- Area of Specialization (one-word answers)
- Title of your abstract submission
Conference Registration for Early Career Professionals Events
We are pleased to offer specialized conference programming for early career professionals (defined as those with no more than 10 years in their current discipline, whether professional, academic, community champion, artist, or as a student). Programming includes dedicated spaces to connect with mentors during and after the conference.
The Participation Grant is now closed.
Congratulations to the CZC2025 Early Career Professionals Participation Grant Recipients!
Early Career Events during CZC2025
Join other early career professionals for a fun evening of coastal zone trivia, hosted by the Early Career Professionals Committee! The event will take place at the Fox & Crow conveniently located on the UPEI Campus on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Food and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening. This event will provide a great way for folks to connect and network. Door prizes and prizes for trivia winners will also be given out. Space will be limited.
Registration for Events and Activities is completed through Ex Ordo (Conference Platform). Please visit the Registration and Costs section to sign up.
Registration and Costs
Registration
We are very excited to host you in-person in beautiful Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from June 9 to June 11, 2025, and know many of you need to start planning. Registration for CZC2025 is now open. The pricing table for the conference is set out below. We will also be offering fieldtrips pre and post conference (Sunday, June 8th and Thursday, June 12th) at an additional cost. Fieldtrip information will be posted on our Events and Activities page soon.
*Refunds* Please note that as of May 1st, we are no longer processing refunds for conference registrations.
Thank you for your interest in CZC2025. We are now at full capacity and registration is closed.
We appreciate the overwhelming response and hope you'll join us at CZC2027!
Full /Non-Profit Delegate Single Day Pass
- 1 day of sessions, plenaries, and keynotes
- 1 lunch and nutrition breaks
- 1-day access to our exhibitor hall
Indigenous/Student Delegate Single Day Pass
- Includes all benefits as the Full Delegate Single Day Pass
- Reserved for Indigenous and student registrants
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out [email protected]
Events and Activities
Events and Activities
Registration for Events and Activities is completed through Ex Ordo (Conference Platform).
Please visit the Registration and Costs section to sign up.
Geotube Shoreline Protection, Little Shemogue, NB
Sunday, June 8, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Shorelines along the Northumberland Strait were significantly impacted in 2022, when Hurricane Fiona caused widespread beach erosion, downed trees and damaged coastal structures. As the area recovered from the powerful storm, one property owner decided to install a Geotube Shoreline Protection system to stabilize the erosion zone and provide a durable barrier that blends better than rip rap with the beach aesthetic.
In 2024, four Geotube containers were installed, each one measuring 50 feet in length and 25 feet in circumference. The Geotubes are filled hydraulically with sand and become a monolithic mass that can withstand the wave energy that pummels the beach during severe storms.
Visit the site in Little Shemogue, NB on June 8, 2025 to see the Geotube Shoreline Protection System and meet with representatives from Bishop Water and Solmax. You will learn about Geotube applications, durability, customizability and installation.
Note that registration is required by June 2.
RSVP - with Transportation Provided
Includes round-trip transportation to and from the event location.
RSVP - No Transportation (Meet On-Site)
If you are travelling to Charlottetown the site is just 20 minutes from the bridge, on the New Brunswick side. you are more than welcome to drop by with registration between 1-4pm on the 08 June.
Please note: Transportation details and address will be provided once your registration has been confirmed.
Limited Tickets Available!
Charlottetown Harbour Solar Boat Tour
Sunday, June 8 - 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm (SOLD OUT)
Sunday, June 8 - 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm (TICKETS AVAILABLE)
Cruise around the Charlottetown Harbour on North America's largest solar boat while exploring the waterfront, climate impacts and adaptation strategies, and lobster traps. Learn about the history of solar boat, the Montreal Expo, the birthplace of Confederation, the Expulsion of the Acadians, the waterfront areas and aquatic life from your expert guide. Space will be limited.
CZC2025 Opening Social
Monday, June 9, 2025 – 5:30pm – 8:30pm
The Local Organizing Committee invites you to connect with colleagues, enjoy music, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar at the Trailside Music Hall, on the ground level of the Arts Hotel. Shuttle service between the UPEI campus and Arts Hotel will be provided.
SOLD OUT!
Coastal Zone Trivia Night at Fox & Crow
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Join other early career professionals for a fun evening of coastal zone trivia, hosted by the Early Career Professionals Committee! The event will take place at the Fox & Crow conveniently located on the UPEI Campus. Food and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening. This event will provide a great way for folks to connect and network. Door prizes and prizes for trivia winners will also be given out. Space will be limited.
Additional Seats Added - Limited Availability!
Up East Bus Tour: Climate & Coastal Adaptation
Thursday, June 12 – 8:00am – 4:30pm
Hop on the bus and head up East to explore coastal challenges, nature-based solutions, climate adaptation research in the Atlantic, and adapting to change in national parks. This tour will stop at three unique sites that highlight costal change and adaptation strategies, including Basin Head Provincial Park, Souris Causeway, and Greenwich (PEI National Park), as well as a tour of the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peters Bay. Accessibility considerations: walking between beach sites, uneven sandy terrain, outside (weather and bugs), 4km hike. Space will be limited.
SOLD OUT!
Lennox Island Community: Coastal Change, Climate & Culture
Thursday, June 12 – 8:00am – 4:30pm
Explore Lennox Island and learn about the vibrant community, culture, climate actions being undertaken to build community resilience in the face of climate and coastal change. Learn about the communities thriving aquaculture industry, local greenhouse and food security initiatives, innovative approaches to sea-level rise and erosion, nature based solutions and cultural resilience. Accessibility: walking between sites, some uneven terrain, outside (weather and bugs). Space will be limited.
*Events and activities are subject to change.
Program
Program
We’re excited to share the draft program for CZC2025!
Click the link below to view a preliminary version of the agenda. Room assignments have been updated; however, please note that the schedule is still subject to change. We recommend checking back regularly for the most up-to-date information.
Delegate Badge pick up times:
The registration desk (located inside the entrance of the Performing Arts Centre and Residence) will be open for badge pick-up during the following times:
- Sunday, June 8: 1:00PM – 4:00PM
- Monday, June 9: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tuesday, June 10: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Wednesday, June 11: 8:00AM - 10:30AM
Accommodations
Accommodations for CZC2025
Please see below for CZC2025 accommodations.
UPEI Residences:
Room reservations can be made at the UPEI Residences which are a few minutes walk to the conference venue (campus map). We have secured 150 rooms and the reservations are on a first come, first served basis and can include a single apartment (studio), 2-bedroom apartment (2 singles or 1 king per room) or a 3-bedroom apartment. Prices are exclusive of taxes and levies. It is the attendee’s responsibility to understand the cancellation policy, check-in/check-out times, early departure fees (if applicable). Parking is free at the general lots. Reservations for UPEI Residences are now open.
Partnered Hotels:
Please see below for room blocks at our partnered hotels with special CZC2025 conference rates. The hotels are less than a 10-minute drive to the campus. You will note that each hotel has a different cut-off date and only a limited number of rooms available so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. It is the attendee’s responsibility to understand the hotel’s cancellation policy, check-in/check-out times, early departure fees (if applicable), charges for triple or quad occupancy rooms and taxes, etc.
City Transit information is provided under each hotel. Aside from transit and rental cars, other transportation options include 1) Taxis: Yellow Cab, Co-op Taxi, City Taxi, GrabbaCab, PEI Online Taxi; 2) Rideshare: Kari; 3) Pay-per-use scooter rental: Epic Electric Scooters; and 4) Accessible taxi options: Pat and the Elephant.
Performing Arts Centre and Residence Building #21 on UPEI Campus
550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3
Rate per night - $169.00 CAD (rate valid until April 8, 2025)
Beginning November 1, 2024, a block of rooms will be available at the Performing Arts Centre and Residence Building #21 on UPEI Campus from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Thursday, June 12, 2025. Room rates at $169.00 per night plus taxes and levies have been secured and will be valid until April 8, 2025.
Reservations will be made directly by the attendee:
- Use the following link: https://www.upei.ca/conference/accommodations and clicking the green “Book Your Stay” button.
- Event Reference Number: 23060
Bill and Denise Andrew Hall Building #19 on UPEI Campus
550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3
Rate per night: $119.99 – $149.99 CAD (rate valid until April 8, 2025)
Beginning November 1, 2024, a block of rooms will be available at the Bill and Denise Andrew Hall Building #19 on UPEI Campus from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Thursday, June 12, 2025. Room rates between $119.99 – $149.99 per night plus taxes and levies have been secured and will be valid until April 8, 2025.
Reservations will be made directly by the attendee:
- Use the following link: https://www.upei.ca/conference/accommodations and clicking the green “Book Your Stay” button.
- Event Reference Number: 23060
The Arts Hotel
155 Kent Street, Charlottetown, PE C1A 5Y6
Rate per night: $159 CAD (rate valid until May 8, 2025)
A block of rooms will be available at the Arts Hotel from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Thursday, June 12, 2025. A group rate of $159 per night plus taxes has been secured and will be valid until May 8, 2025.
Reservations will be made directly by the attendee:
- By telephone at 902-370-2787
- By email at [email protected]
- Use the following link: https://secure.webrez.com/hotel/2881/?package_id=301022&date_from=20250608&date_to=20250612
"Go off the grid and reconnect with the present moment at The Arts Hotel. When you check-in, get ready to unwind, disconnect, and embrace a more fun, communal experience. There are no TVs, no phone, no refrigerator, no coffee machine, and no iron in any of our rooms, but you can find most of these located in our common area on the second floor. There are also no hair dryers in the rooms, but you are able to request one from the front desk.”
Transit Information:
There is a direct bus route connecting the ARTS hotel and UPEI. Expected travel time is 7 to 9 minutes on Route #1 on weekdays, with pickup available every ~15 minutes from 6:45am to 10:18pm. There is also a direct bus route (Route #1) on Saturdays and Sundays, with buses running every 15 to 30 minutes from 7:00am to 10:18pm and 10:00am to 6:03pm, respectively.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton
300 Capital Drive, Charlottetown, PE C1E 3N1
Rate per night: $189 CAD (rate valid until May 8, 2025)
A block of rooms will be available at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Thursday, June 12, 2025. A group rate of $189 per night plus taxes has been secured and will be valid until May 8, 2025.
Reservations can be made calling the In-House Reservations Department at 1-902-368-3551. Callers must identify themselves as being with the group and reference “Coastal Zone Canada” in order to qualify for the group rate.
Transit Information:
The Hampton Inn and Suites and UPEI are indirectly connected through the use of two separate bus routes. Passengers are required to switch between Route #2 and Route #1 or #3, or vice versa, at the Royalty Crossing Transfer Hub en-route to their destination; expected travel time is 20-23 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays.
Although each bus route operates at slightly different times, all are active from roughly 7:00am-6:00pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with buses running every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or hour depending on the time of day and specific route.
The nearest bus stop to the Hampton Inn and Suites is located at Maypoint Plaza and is serviced by Route #2. Routes #1 and #3 both have stops at UPEI and, depending on the direction of travel, stop at: UPEI/University Avenue, UPEI Bus Shelter, or UPEI/Brown's Court. Passengers must switch buses at the Royalty Crossing Mall Transfer Hub to reach their destination (UPEI or the Hampton Inn and Suites).
There is no bus service to or from the Hampton Inn and Suites on Sundays.
The Holman Grand Hotel
123 Grafton St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1K9
Rate per night: $289 CAD (rate valid until April 9, 2025)
A block of rooms will be available at the Holman Grand Hotel from Sunday, June 8, 2025 to Wednesday, June 11, 2025. A group rate of $289 per night plus taxes has been secured and will be valid until April 9, 2025. Please phone the hotel directly if you need to secure additional nights (pre and post) (902) 367-7777.
Reservations will be made directly by the attendee:
- By telephone: 1-877-455-4726 (or 902-367-7777) and provide the group reservation number 180703 and the front desk can confirm your reservations under the room block.
- Use the following link: https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/details.aspx?propertyid=16733&nights=1&checkin=6/8/2025&group=180703&lang=en-us
Transit Information:
There is a direct bus route connecting the Holman Grand Hotel and UPEI. Expected travel time is 8 to 13 minutes on Route #1 on weekdays, with pickup available every 10 to 15 minutes from 6:45am to 10:18pm. There is also a direct bus route (Route #1) on Saturdays and Sundays, with buses running every 15 to 30 minutes from 7:00am to 10:18pm and 10:00am to 6:03pm, respectively.
Partners and Sponsors
Partners and Sponsors
The Conference Planning Committee recognizes the generous contributions of our partners and sponsors below.
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Thank you for your donation to the Early Careers Program Trivia Night!
Co-Chairs
Become a Sponsor for CZC2025
We are actively looking for sponsors to better support conference planning and delivery. Some benefits of partnering and sponsorship include:
● Support information-sharing and networking opportunities among coastal zone management policy makers, Indigenous representatives, coastal and marine scientists, engineers, and other professionals from across Canada
● Raise your brand awareness with recognition on conference promotional materials including the conference website, program guide, and conference signage
● Expand your exposure in a dynamic and professional environment
● Be a part of advancing new research and approaches in coastal zone management
● Set the stage for turning ideas into tangible actions and outcomes
● Achieve your goals with customizable sponsorship packages
● Facilitate participation from groups who may otherwise face financial barriers (e.g., students, local Indigenous community members)
Please contact Heather Laiskonis to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Exhibitors
Exhibitors
The following exhibitors will be showcased in our Exhibit Hall from June 9-11, 2025. Please click on an exhibitor logo to visit their website to learn more about the organization.
To learn more about becoming an exhibitor for CZC2025, please click here.
Become an Exhibitor for CZC2025
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to network with key researchers and practitioners in the field of Integrated Coastal Zone Management. Please contact Heather Laiskonis for more information on exhibiting at CZC2025 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Space is limited and will be offered on a first come, first-serve basis. The exhibition hall is expected to be open from 9am–4pm daily; conference refreshment breaks will occur in the exhibition hall.
The exhibitor booth and tabletop are located in an accessible and visible location. Exhibitors will not be required to staff booths for all hours of the conference, but must have staff present during breaks, exhibit show times and poster sessions. Allocation of booth spaces will be on a first come, first-serve basis.
Limited Space Available
Full size Corner Booth
$2,500
- Included with Gold and Platinum Level Sponsorships
- Two Exhibitor Badges
- Two 6-foot Skirted Tables or Equivalent
- Space for Panel Displays
- Organization Logo and Link on Conference Website
Tabletop
$1,750
- Included with Bronze and Silver Level Sponsorships
- One Exhibitor Badge
- 6-foot Skirted Table
- Organization Logo and Link on Conference Website
Plenary Speakers
Plenary Speakers
We have a terrific program in store for you. Our opening plenary and keynote speakers have been lined up for CZC2025! Learn more about the plenary sessions and speakers on below and be sure to check back for updates.
Day 1: Monday, June 9
Co-Chairs Heather Laiskonis and Stephanie Arnold will officially welcome attendees to the Coastal Zone Canada 2025 Conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
The opening will begin with a welcome from Regional Chief Wendell LaBobe, followed by MLA Susie Dillon, MLA for Charlottetown-Belvedere.
Elder Methilda Knockwood-Snache, Mikjikjisk Abistoonouch—also known as Turtle Woman—who will perform a traditional water ceremony and speak to the importance of unity and relationships in coastal care and management.
Opening Performance by the Mi'lmaw Drummers and Performers.
The opening keynote, will be delivered by Dr. A.R. Siders, Director of the Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub and Associate Professor at the University of Delaware. Her address will highlight the considerations possibilities, and intersection of coastal adaptation, justice, relocation, and transformation.
Welcome Remarks and Opening Words by
Regional Chief Wendell LaBobe
Bio
Regional Chief Wendell LaBobe is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in Indigenous communities and organizations. Wendell has served as a Councillor with the Lennox Island First Nation Chief and Council from 2019 to 2024. He has worked closely with the Chief and Council to successfully drive growth in the community since his election in 2019.
Wendell is passionate about promoting and preserving cultural and traditional development within Indigenous communities. He has held various roles in research, data entry, youth development, economic development, and consultation work, all of which will inform his work as Regional Chief.
He has a business background, having graduated from Holland College with a degree in Business Management. Recently, Wendell obtained his Certified Aboriginal Professional Administration (CAPA) designation from AFOA Canada and has completed numerous relevant courses.
Wendell is deeply committed to his Mi’kmaq brothers and sisters here on Epekwitk and throughout Turtle Island. He is dedicated to continuing the hard work necessary to ensure the success of his people today and in the future. Wendell looks forward to the responsibilities he will undertake as Regional Chief.
Outside of work, Wendell enjoys spending quality time with his wife Michelle, their three children, and three beautiful grandchildren. He has a passion for drones, photography, walking with his dog, and seeking new adventures.
As part of the Assembly of First Nations, Regional Chief Wendell LaBobe, with the PEI Office of the Regional Chief, holds the portfolio for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+).
Elder Methilda Knockwood-Snache
Bio
A much-respected Elder, Methilda Knockwood-Snache maintains the culture and customs of the Mi’kmaq people of Lennox Island by sharing traditional wisdom and practices. The inspiring work she has done has left an indelible mark on her community.
Susie Dillon
Bio
A graduate of Holland College, Susie’s empathy and compassion led her to a career as an educational assistant with the Public Schools Branch where she has worked for the last 28 years.
Susie’s desire to improve her community has led her to volunteer with the Sherwood Elementary Home and School Association, Charlottetown CanPower Skate, the Sherwood-Parkdale Minor Hockey Association Early Bird Tournament Committee, the Sherwood-Parkdale Minor Hockey Association, and sit on the PEI Poverty Elimination Council.
Susie was elected as the MLA for District 11, Charlottetown-Belvedere, on April 3rd, 2023. She currently serves as Government House Leader.
Opening Performance
Richard Lush
Bio
Mi'kmaq Heritage Actors, This is a group of talented Prince Edward Island youth who deliver an amazing performance rich with storytelling acting, singing and dancing. The last few years the focus has been on creating new songs and new legends for their work on the stage and behind the drum. With their drumming this group has been invited to several Mawiomi's and over the last few years they have started doing more openings and events to highlight the wonderful indigenous song and dance that they present. This young group is dynamic and amazing in everything they do, and you can see the joy they have in sharing their culture and language with others.
Keynote Speaker
A.R. Siders, JD, PhD
Bio
A.R. Siders is Director of the Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub and an associate professor of public policy, geography, and marine policy at the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on coastal climate change adaptation, with an emphasis on relocation, transformation, and adaptation justice. She is a National Science Foundation Oceans Decade Champion in the NSF program and a member of the U Delaware Coastlines & People Hub. Siders holds a JD from Harvard and a PhD from Stanford. She’s originally from Duluth, Minnesota, and misses the cold.
Day 2: Tuesday, June 10
The panel on Tuesday, June 10 is titled “Stories of Hope”. The panelists will discuss positive and successful research, findings, stories, movements, and beyond, from different coastal regions, while also acknowledging the hardships encountered and vital perseverance taken to reach where we are today. The goal of this panel is to motivate and uplift both panelists and the audience to continue to be resilient, work in harmony with nature and the environment, and to lean on different communities of practice for support and celebration.
Panel Participants:
Juliana Fernandes Granzoti
Bio
Juliana Fernandes Granzoti is a master’s student at Saint Mary’s University and a field researcher with CBWES Inc. With a background in Environmental Studies from UPEI focused on island sustainability, her coastal journey has taken her from cultivating algae as a food source for oyster production in Brazil to watershed management in Prince Edward Island and now to hands-on salt marsh restoration across Atlantic Canada. Her current research examines living shorelines with marsh sills as nature-based infrastructure, evaluating their effectiveness in enhancing coastal flood mitigation, supporting healthy salt marsh ecosystems, and maintaining structural performance under dynamic environmental conditions. Through field monitoring, seed addition trials, and adaptive management, Juliana’s work supports practical, scalable approaches to climate adaptation. As an early career researcher, she is passionate about building connections between science, policy, and practice to help shape more resilient coastal futures.
Makadunyiswe Doublejoy Ngulube
Bio
Makadunyiswe Doublejoy Ngulube, is a coastal geomorphologist specializing in climate change adaptation and nature-based coastal solutions. She holds a Master of Science in Applied Science, with research focused on nature-based adaptation to climate change.
Recently, Maka has worked with Clean Foundation, leading initiatives to advance climate resilience. Her work there informed decision-making on Nature-based Solutions implementation.
Maka has earned top awards from the Science Atlantic Environment Conference, the Atlantic Canada Coastal Estuarine Science Society Conference, and the Nature-based Coastal Solutions Symposium. In 2023, she was recognized as a Rising TIDES Scholar by the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation. Remotely, she has also contributed to biodiversity outreach with Zimbabwe’s Green Hut Trust.
A passionate advocate for women in STEM, Maka champions inclusive climate leadership. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, swimming, and kickboxing - activities that reflect her energy and love for nature.
Quinn Howard
Bio
Quinn is a community and technical consultant with a focus on municipal infrastructure and equitable climate adaptation. She works at the intersection of social, ecological, and engineered systems, helping communities integrate all aspects of risk and vulnerability into their planning and decision-making. With a background in landscape design, Quinn brings expertise in flood mitigation, green infrastructure, and inclusive public space design. Her practice is grounded in specialized training in climate science and infrastructure risk assessment through Natural Resources Canada and the University of Prince Edward Island’s Climate Lab, including certification in the PIEVC Protocol.
Tyrone Paul
Bio
Tyrone Paul is the Director of Natural Resources for Abegweit First Nation, where he leads a multidisciplinary team spanning fisheries, conservation enforcement, emergency management, and ecological restoration. Since joining Abegweit in 2020, he has worked diligently to integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern resource management practices—supporting resilience across both ecosystems and community livelihoods.
With a background across private, non-profit, and government sectors, Tyrone brings a strategic, systems-level perspective to his work. His leadership is rooted in relationship-building—with land, water, wildlife, and people—and reflects the core values of Coastal Zone Canada 2025: collaboration, sustainability, and resilience.
Day 3: Wednesday, June 11
The closing panel on Wednesday, June 11 will explore innovation, collaboration, and research within the coastal zone. Panelists include funders, practitioners, and leaders from a variety of organizations.
Charlie Sark
Bio
More about Charlie coming soon!
Stephanie Arnold
Bio
Stephanie works alongside communities, sectors, and governments on: using adaptation pathways, building accountability in adaptation, and bringing together different perspectives to address climate, environmental, and social challenges. Born in Hong Kong when it was an active British colony and currently living uninvited on unceded Mi’kmaw territory in Epekwitk, they strive to center reconciliation, community-building, and systems change in their work. Centering “disruptive kindness” has given meaning and purpose to their Chemical Engineering degree, MBA, and ongoing PhD studies.
Joanna Eyquem
Bio
Joanna Eyquem is an internationally-recognized leader in climate adaptation and nature-based solutions, with 25 years experience in Europe, North America and Western Africa. Her work at the Climate Risk Institute focuses on managing climate risk, including flooding, coastal erosion and extreme heat, in particular working with nature and the financial sector. As part of this work, Joanna leads the development of national guidance and tools for climate resilience and nature-based solutions. In addition, Joanna serves on over 30 boards and committees, including the Canadian Infrastructure Council, the Canadian Sustainable Finance Networkthe National Research Council of Canada, CSA Group, the Coastal Adaptation Advisory Network, the Government of Quebec’s Expert Group on Adaptation, and as Chair of the Board for the Natural Assets Initiative.
Prior to joining the Climate Risk Institute, Joanna was Managing Director, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation (University of Waterloo). This built on 20 years of consultancy experience, including as Global Technical Practice Lead for Climate Resilience at AECOM, and previous roles at Royal Haskoning DHV and Jacobs Engineering. She is professionally qualified in both Canada and the UK, as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.), Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV.SP.), Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (CWEM) and Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv.). She holds an MSc in Environmental Technology (Water Option) from Imperial College London and a BSc in Geography (Earth Sciences) from the University of Exeter, UK. Joanna is a bilingual British-French-Canadian and typically featured in over 150 media features a year (in English and French).
Mary-Ann Wilson
Bio
More about Mary-Ann coming soon!
David Murrin
Bio
Dr. David Murrin is the Director General of the NRC's Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre. He has dedicated his career to studying the impacts of water on infrastructure and communities. The work that he leads for Canada is critically important since the implications of climate change are severe and widespread, especially for our oceans, coasts, and rivers.
Dr. Murrin’s experience heading influential federal labs, industry and not-for-profit R&D organizations has been invaluable in bringing people together to collaborate towards a common interest. His leadership has resulted in advancing regulations in harsh marine environments, developing tools for Arctic navigation, contributing to national guidelines for sustaining coasts and waterways, and training many Canadian highly qualified personnel. Before joining the NRC in 2018, Dr. Murrin held increasingly senior roles in the energy industry, where he was responsible for strategic growth planning, research and development strategies for major infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions.
Dr. Murrin pursues collaborative relationships nationally and internationally, and is engaged in international and national committees on Ocean engineering and science. He holds undergraduate, Master's and Doctoral degrees in Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering, at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
In 2012, Dr. Murrin was presented the Early Accomplishment Award from Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2024, Dr. Murrin was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering in recognition of his outstanding achievements in engineering, his impact on society, his profession and his peers, as well as his exceptional leadership in engineering practices.
Instructions for Presenters
Instructions for Presenters
Please use the links below to download instructions for presenters:
CZC2025 Logo
About the Logo
The CZC2025 logo was based on quillwork created by Melissa Peter-Paul. Melissa is a Mi’kmaw woman from Abegweit First Nation, located on Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island). Growing up, Melissa was immersed in cultural teachings and was surrounded by a family of basket makers. She began her artistic expression at a young age, making regalia and beadwork, and is skilled in both traditional and contemporary styles. Melissa’s exposure to other Mi’kmaq artforms led her to quillwork, a traditional skill in which the ancestors of her maternal grandfather excelled.
The quillwork was converted to a digital rendering to form the logo used for CZC2025. This digital creation was completed by One Stone Design, located in Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island).
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
WE’RE READY TO WELCOME YOU BACK SAFELY
The Coastal Zone Canada (CZC) Conference 2025 will take place at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown, PEI. The venue is fully open and ready to safely host attendees. We are following the latest public health guidance from the PEI government, and there are currently no restrictions in place. Our team is prepared to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. As always, if you’re feeling unwell, please consider staying home out of respect for others.
Health and Safety
Environmental/ Public Health - Prince Edward:
The goal of Environmental/Public Health is to promote and protect the health and well-being of all Islanders and visitors. Legislative authority for this program falls under the Public Health Act (https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/legislation/p-30-1-public_health_act.pdf) and the associated regulations, which are enforced by Environmental Health Officers.
Mask Requirement:
COVID-19 protocols no longer in effect: The University issued a message on April 28, 2023, advising the University community that masking requirements in instructional spaces have been lifted.
https://www.upei.ca/covid-19-information
While face masks are no longer mandatory in indoor public spaces, guests are welcome to wear a face mask based on their individual comfort level.
Hand Sanitizers:
Dispensers are conveniently located throughout the facility.
Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization:
UPEI has adopted PEI–CPHO guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and, in some cases, has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures over and above daily and routine best practices. UPEI has developed a Cleaning Protocol, which is subject to change based on guidance updates from the PEI-CPHO. https://www.upei.ca/easebackplan/cleaning-protocol
EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS
UPEI is committed to creating a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment. The health and safety of our students, employees, and other campus users are the highest priority.
Emergency Preparedness and Response at UPEI is managed by the Emergency Planning Committee, under the direction of the Office of the Vice-President Administration and Finance.
Being prepared at UPEI means to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from any emergencies that could affect the University community.
The goal is to have a comprehensive plan extending from all levels of emergency personnel down through the individuals that make up our community to prevent situations that cause emergencies. This means:
● Preparing people for the procedures to follow should an emergency occur;
● Having a well-coordinated response from the University through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to effectively mitigate any emergency;
● Being ready and able to recover quickly from emergency events so that the UPEI campus can return to normal operating conditions.
Find our emergency management plan here: https://files.upei.ca/emergency/emergency_management_plan.pdf
Emergency Notification process:
- An emergency or potential emergency will be reported to 9-1-1, which will in turn notify the UPEI Security Services Central Dispatch
- The senior Security Officer on duty will assign personnel to isolate and protect the area of the emergency, and if necessary, begin immediate evacuation.
- The focus of any actions taken will be in the following order of priority:
● Protection of Persons
● Protection of Animals
● Protection of Property
The Senior Security Officer on duty will contact — Director of Facilities Management
1. Director and Management will contact — VP Administration and Finance (Emergency Management Coordinator) who will contact, as required — Senior Management, Emergency Operations Team.
2. Director, Facilities Management will contact, as required — Facilities Services Staff, Security Services Staff, and External Resources.
Emergency Contacts:
UPEI Security Services: 902-566-0384
UPEI Security Services (EMERGENCY ONLY): 902-628-4357
Police Services: 911
Emergency Procedures
https://files.upei.ca/emergency/emergency_procedures_manual.pdf
You will typically be notified of an emergency by an evacuation alarm, UPEI SAFE, email, text or intercom, and must be prepared to act if you are the first person to discover, or to be affected by, the emergency. You should always take action to ensure your own safety. Once you are safe, you should ensure that others in the area are aware of the emergency as well.
Emergency procedures may include
● Evacuation
● Seeking shelter
● Lockdown
Evacuation Procedures and Assembly Points
Each building has a designated Chief Evacuation Warden who is responsible for developing and maintaining an effective evacuation plan. This includes holding drills and communicating the plan, including primary and secondary assembly points, to members of the building through departmental meetings. Buildings also have a designated Floor or Area Warden(s) with alternates, as well as designated Guardians, who are responsible for assisting disabled persons.
In the event that a building evacuation is necessary (SAFETY AND TIME PERMITTING):
DO
● Activate the nearest PULL STATION.
● Call 9-911, if possible.
● Leave immediately.
● Individuals with disabilities may need assistance.
● Gather at the designated assembly point.
DO NOT
● Assume that the alarm is false.
● Re-enter the building until told to do so by Security officers or leave the designated assembly point area.
Shelter-in-Place
Is the response required for situations when there are no immediate threats to the safety of the occupant, but certain steps must be taken to remain safe.
● Remain in the building, ideally in an interior room that can have all the windows and doors closed until an "all clear" is communicated.
Lockdown
A lockdown of a building or group of buildings is an emergency procedure intended to secure and protect occupants who are in the proximity of an active and immediate threat. This procedure is used when it is more dangerous to evacuate a building than to stay inside.
How to respond to an active threat:
● Find a safe place.
● Contact 911 and provide details when it is safe to do so.
● Close and secure windows, blinds and curtains.
● Turn off lights and audio equipment.
● Take cover behind walls, furniture, or in a corner out of sight of windows.
● Turn the cell phone ringer to silent and be quiet.
● Stay where you are until emergency response (UPEI Security Services, Charlottetown police) freezes you.
● During a lockdown, if a fire alarm rings, DO NOT leave the room unless you smell smoke or see fire.
Emergency Level Descriptions
● UPEI classifies emergencies into three levels. Level 1 – Incident involves localized events like illness, a small fire, or minor power outages that don’t impact overall operations but still require prompt attention.
● Level 2 – Major Event disrupts one or more university functions—such as a building fire, civil unrest, or serious crimes—and demands coordinated response from university departments and outside emergency services, with involvement from senior management.
● Level 3 – Crisis is a large-scale emergency, such as a campus shooting, major fire, extreme weather, or public health crisis, that severely impacts university operations and requires full activation of senior leadership and the Emergency Operations Team.
Other Relevant UPEI Policies and Procedures:
For more information, refer to the Health, Safety and Environment SharePoint Site: https://upeica.sharepoint.com/sites/HSE/
Canadian Travel Protocols and Restrictions
Return or Travel to Canada:
Travellers entering Canada by air, land, or sea are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, take pre-board or arrival tests, quarantine, or use ArriveCAN—though using the Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN can speed up border processing. Masks and health checks are not mandatory on planes or trains, but wearing a well-fitted mask is strongly recommended. Cruise passengers don’t need pre-boarding tests. Travel documents are still required. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should not travel. If symptoms appear during your trip or upon arrival, inform travel or border staff, avoid public transit, and follow provincial or territorial guidelines.
Travelling in and out of Canada
When travelling to or from Canada, check international travel advisories, COVID-19 guidelines, and whether you need a visa or proof of vaccination. Masks are not required on planes or trains within Canada, but wearing a high-quality, well-fitted mask or respirator is still strongly recommended.
Situation in Canada
In Canada, COVID-19 guidance focuses on vaccination, reducing transmission, and public health measures. Summary data on travellers, testing, and compliance is available. The Government of Canada continues to monitor the situation—see the COVID-19 border measures backgrounder for updates.
More information about the same can be found here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
Your registration for, and attendance at, any Coastal Zone Canada conference indicates your acknowledgement of, and agreement to adhere to, Coastal Zone Canada’s Code of Conduct below.
The Coastal Zone Canada (CZC) organizers and hosts expects all participants to help create a welcoming and respectful environment that is safe, collaborative, supportive, and productive for all attendees, including speakers, moderators, facilitators, exhibitors, media, sponsors, volunteers, contractors, service providers, employees, and all others that may be involved.
To ensure everyone will have the opportunity to benefit from their attendance at CZC, we will provide a experience in which diverse participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual human respect without discrimination and, in particular, as prescribed in the Canadian Human Rights Act, without discrimination based on: race, national, or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability, and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.
We recognize a shared responsibility to create and maintain this environment for the benefit of all, where everyone feels welcome to participate, speak up, ask questions, and engage in conversation. The expectation is for participants to be intentional and thoughtful in their interactions to ensure the event is a culturally safe environment for all, that is, to ensure someone’s culture is not discussed in ways that are harmful or is described through the lens and experience of another culture. To that end, we expect all CZC participants to abide by the Code of Conduct at all conference venues whether in-person, virtual, on social media, and at all conference related social and extension events.
Expected Behavior
- Adhere fully to all Congress health and safety policies and procedures.
- Treat everyone with kindness, respect, and consideration.
- Communicate thoughtfully with others and be considerate of the multitude of cultures, views and opinions that may be different from your own, in all situations including but not limited to, while presenting, in one-on-one conversations, at exhibitor tables, and in group discussions.
- Be considerate and respectful in your critique of ideas.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants.
- Respect the rules and policies of all venues associated with the Congress.
- Be professional in your demeanor and appropriate in your attire.
- Be accountable.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing and/or other unacceptable behavior, as outlined below.
Unacceptable Behavior
All participants must not engage in any inappropriate behavior, and in particular not in intimidation, harassment, abusive, or discriminatory actions, such as:
- Offensive verbal or written remarks, including those related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion;
- Violence or threats of violence;
- Violent or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides);
- Deliberate intimidation;
- Stalking or following (online and in-person);
- Unwanted or unauthorized photography or recording;
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events;
- Unwelcome physical contact or other forms of assault;
- Unwelcome sexual attention;
- Sexist, racist, or other exclusionary jokes;
- Use of social or mainstream media to target individuals in a way that could harm their privacy and/or reputation;
- Deliberate misgendering such as deliberately not using a person’s preferred pronouns.
Non-Urgent Reporting
If you notice non-urgent inappropriate behavior that violates this Code of Conduct during the Coastal Zone Canada Conference or have any other concerns, please report it by emailing Coastal Zone Canada.
Immediate or Urgent Matters
If the incident is of an immediate safety or security concern, please call the on-site security or dial 911.
Confidentiality
All reports will be handled in confidence except as otherwise required by law, and subject to due process and natural justice. Organizers will respond as promptly as we can.
Consequences
Participants asked to stop any behavior deemed inappropriate are expected to comply immediately. Explanations of “just joking” are not acceptable; behavior can be harassing without an intent to offend.
If a participant engages in harassing or other unacceptable behavior, including a failure to adhere abide by the above Code of Conduct, the Coastal Zone Canada organizers will take any action or actions they deem appropriate to keep the conference a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. Actions that may be taken include: warning the offender, expulsion from the conference with no refunds, reporting the incident to the offender’s local institution or agencies, and reporting the incident to local law enforcement agencies.
We look forward to seeing you in PEI in June, 2025!
