Call for Abstracts
We have extended the abstract submissions until 19th of December 2025
World Surfing Conservation Conference
16-19 February 2026 | Gold Coast, Australia
You are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations at the World Surfing Conservation Conference (WSCC2026). The conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, community leaders, and ocean advocates to explore the challenges and opportunities facing surfing environments worldwide.
When submitting an abstract, you will need to:
- Provide a title, author(s), and affiliation(s) – all abstracts must be submitted under the lead presenter’s name.
- Select one primary theme into which you would like your presentation to be considered.
- Indicate your preferred format:
- Oral presentation (typically 15 minutes plus 5 minutes Q&A)
- Lightning talk (10 minutes / 5 slides)
- Poster presentation
- Submit a 300-word abstract (maximum 2,100 characters including spaces).
- Confirm that at least the lead presenter will register and pay to attend the conference by 5 January 2026.
- Acknowledge and agree to abide by the WSCC Terms and Conditions, which includes policies on ethics, inclusivity, and respectful collaboration.
The conference committee may reassign your abstract to a different theme if it aligns better with another session.
Presentation Policy
Lead presenters may submit one oral paper and one poster, but can be listed as a co-author on multiple other submissions.
All presenters are reminded to ensure free, prior, and informed consent is obtained for any data, media, or interpretations involving Indigenous cultural knowledge or materials. Abstracts that do not demonstrate ethical compliance may not be accepted. Breaches of ethical protocols may result in exclusion from the program.
For all enquiries, please contact Daniel Long at daniel@wscc2026.com.au
Conference Themes
1. Surf Conservation & Marine Protection
Explores efforts to preserve and protect surf breaks, marine habitats, and coastal ecosystems. Topics may include surf break legislation, marine protected areas, biodiversity conservation, erosion management, and community-led stewardship initiatives.
2. Indigenous Knowledge & Ocean Stewardship
Celebrates the cultural, spiritual, and ecological wisdom of First Nations and Indigenous peoples in caring for Sea Country. This theme welcomes work led by or in collaboration with Indigenous communities on marine conservation, traditional practices, and co-management models.
3. Sustainable Surf Culture & Industry
Focuses on embedding sustainability into surf lifestyle, tourism, events, and product design. Submissions may cover circular economy initiatives, eco-friendly surfboards and wetsuits, low-impact travel, and green surf business innovations.
4. Climate Change & Coastal Resilience
Examines the intersection of climate science and community action in surf regions. Themes include sea level rise, extreme weather impacts, reef degradation, adaptation strategies, and building resilience in coastal communities and ecosystems.
5. Youth, Education & Community Engagement
Highlights programs and partnerships that empower the next generation of ocean advocates. Topics may include ocean literacy, school and university engagement, youth-led projects, community outreach, and intergenerational learning.
6. Ocean Policy & Global Governance
Explores how legislation, frameworks, and international cooperation can advance surf conservation. Submissions may include blue economy strategies, marine spatial planning, rights of nature, and policy development involving surfing communities.
7. Science, Innovation & Surf Research
Focuses on cutting-edge research and technological innovation related to surfing and the marine environment. This includes surf science, wave forecasting, coastal engineering, surf break mapping, marine biodiversity monitoring, and emerging technologies for ocean conservation.
8. Surfing and Wellbeing
Examines the mental, physical, and social health benefits of surfing and ocean immersion. Topics may include surf therapy, inclusive surf programs, health equity, trauma recovery, and the role of nature in community wellbeing.
9. Art, Media & Storytelling for Conservation
Explores the power of creative expression to inspire change and protect the ocean. Welcomes films, photography, journalism, design, and artistic activism that raise awareness, shift mindsets, and spark ocean advocacy.
10. Surfing Infrastructure, Urban Design & Access
Focuses on the built environment that supports surfing while safeguarding natural systems. Topics include surf parks, coastal access, public amenities, inclusive design, planning regulations, and balancing tourism with environmental care.
11. Sharks, Coexistence & Conservation
Addresses the science, policy, and social dynamics of living alongside sharks in surf zones. Submissions may explore shark deterrents, tagging and monitoring, risk perception, public education, and conservation ethics.
Call for Abstract Opens
30th June 2025
Call for Abstract Closes
Extended – 30th September 2025 – 31st October 2025
Abstract Acceptances Issued
30th September 2025
Speaker Registration Deadline
31st October 2025
Draft Program Released
31st October 2025
Final Program Released
28th November 2025