New York State
Environmental Technical Working Group
2026 State of the Science
Building on a Strong Foundation:
Deepening Knowledge and Finding Collaborative Solutions
About the Conference
State of the Science on Offshore Energy, Wildlife and Fisheries.
July 16-19, 2024, Long Island, New York
Conference Goals
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Engaging and informing interested stakeholders about the state of knowledge regarding wildlife, fisheries, and offshore wind energy development, including ongoing efforts to understand, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts
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Promoting regional coordination by sharing updates on research studies, guidelines development, and other efforts in the eastern U.S. and elsewhere
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Promoting collaboration through expert information exchange and discussion
The overall theme of the 2026 Conference is “Building on a Strong Foundation:
Deepening Knowledge and Finding Collaborative Solutions”.
Conference FAQs
How accessible is State of the Science?
We are dedicated to making our event inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of individual abilities or circumstances. For questions about access or to request accommodations that will help facilitate your full participation in this event (including but not limited to ALD/assistive listening devices, CART/real-time captioning, wheelchair access, dietary restrictions, lactation room access, and gender-neutral restroom access), please contact Eleanor Eckel at eleanor.eckel@briwildlife.org.
How do I access WiFi at the workshop?
During the conference you have free access to Stony Brook WiFi. Prior to the start of the conference you will receive an email from Guest_Wifi_Request@stonybrook.edu with login information. When logging on, select "WolfieNet-Guest" WiFi Network, then choose the 2nd button for “already registered” and enter your login details that were emailed to you. For more information visit: https://it.stonybrook.edu/services/wolfienet/guest. If you have any issues with the Wi-Fi log in, please contact the Service Desk @ 631-632-9800 for assistance.
What is the dress code for the conference?
There is no specific dress code for the conference. We recommend that you dress appropriately for a professional event and wear layers (in case of heat or over-air conditioning).
What does the registration cost cover?
Registration includes attendance at all regular sessions and symposia, catered breakfasts and lunches, a dinner, and a reception during the event. Coffee and tea will be available throughout the conference, with snacks at some conference breaks. Breakfast is included with registration on June 9-11; lunch is included June 8-10. Appetizers will be provided at evening receptions, along with a cash bar. Dietary restriction information was submitted with your conference registration, and we will do our best to ensure options are available for everyone.
Who receives a registration discount?
Discounts are available to E-TWG and F-TWG members, E-TWG specialist committee members, workshop staff, New York State agency employees, and fisheries stakeholders.
Who is considered a fisheries stakeholder?
People who are directly engaged in the fishing industry (commercial or for–hire).
Who should I contact if I have a question about my registration?
Please contact either Bethany Meys at stateofthescience@nyserda.ny.gov or Eleanor Eckel at Eleanor.Eckel@briwildlife.org.
Can I attend the conference virtually?
Yes, there is a virtual option on the registration page. All sessions will be live-streamed to provide virtual participation.
Conference Organizers
The State of the Science is hosted by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) on behalf of the Offshore Wind Environmental Technical Working Group and the Fisheries Technical Working Group (F-TWG). This year's organizers include:
Scientific Planning Committee
Kate Williams, Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI; Committee Chair); Sue Barco, Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative; Sandi Brewster-Walker, Montaukett Nation; Colleen Brust, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Grace Chang, Integral Consulting; Jon Choi, Duke University; Doug Christel, National Marine Fisheries Service; Julia Dombrowski, National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium; Cris Hein, National Lab of the Rockies; Ursula Howson, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; Juliet Lamb, The Nature Conservancy; Julia Livermore, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management; Carl LoBue, The Nature Conservancy; AJ Mabaka, Stony Brook University; Lisa Methratta, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Laura Morse, JASCO; Kim Peters, Ørsted; Mike Pol, Responsible Offshore Science Alliance; Howard Rosenbaum, Wildlife Conservation Society; Brendan Runde, The Nature Conservancy.
Organizing Committee
Kate McClellan Press, NYSERDA (Committee Chair); Morgan Brunbauer, NYSERDA; Brian Dresser, TetraTech; Eleanor Eckel, BRI; Kelli Gormley, NYSERDA; Julia Gulka, BRI; Kelly Hammond, NYSERDA; Zoe Korpi, BRI; Leigh LaMartina, BRI; Bethany Meys, NYSERDA; Kate Williams, BRI
Photo credits: Banner Atlantic puffin © Julia Gulka;