about the conference
Join us for the 4th World Seabird Conference (WSC4), taking place in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, from 7 to 11 September 2026. Held once every five years, WSC4 is one of the world’s premier events dedicated to seabird research, conservation, and community engagement.
world seabird conference
This global conference brings together scientists, conservation practitioners, policy-makers, and stakeholders from across the world to advance the science and protection of seabirds. Through collaborative research, innovative presentations, and networking opportunities, WSC fosters international partnerships that are essential for addressing the urgent challenges facing seabird populations.
Whether your focus is marine biodiversity, climate change impacts, fisheries interactions, or habitat conservation, WSC4 provides a unique platform to share knowledge, build connections, and drive meaningful outcomes for seabird conservation on a global scale.
about the world seabird union
The World Seabird Union (WSU) is an international scientific organisation established in 2010, following the inaugural World Seabird Conference (WSC). WSU serves as a unifying body for seabird researchers, conservationists, and marine resource managers, working to advance seabird science and conservation on a global scale.
As a collaborative network, the WSU fosters connections among professional seabird organisations and individuals worldwide. We promote the exchange of knowledge, encourage collaboration across borders, and provide a platform to address critical challenges facing seabird populations and marine ecosystems.
Slanted Dolerite Cliffs of Cape Hauy, In Tasman National Park, Tasmania
conference theme:
Wings of Adaptation: Seabirds in a Changing Climate
The 4th World Seabird Conference (WSC4) will be held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, from 7–11 September 2026, bringing seabirds to the centre of global scientific dialogue. Building on the success of previous conferences, WSC4 will unite seabird scientists, conservationists, students, and marine practitioners from across the world.
In a time of rapid environmental change, WSC4 will examine how seabirds are responding and adapting to the pressures of climate change, shifting ecosystems, and human impacts.
Conference Focus Areas
The WSC4 programme will highlight the biology, ecology, adaptive capacity, and conservation of seabirds in a changing world. Participants can expect a rich and diverse agenda, including:
- Thematic symposia led by global experts
- Contributed oral and poster sessions
- Practical and forward-looking workshops
- Networking events to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange
Hobart waterfront panoramic at sunrise
wsc4 committee members
The success of the 4th World Seabird Conference is made possible through the dedication of our diverse and international committee members. Below is the list of individuals contributing their time and expertise across our planning and support committees.
Rocks at the top of Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Local Organising Committee
Leading on logistics and regional coordination in Tasmania.
- Nicholas Carlile
- Alan Tennyson
- Andre Chiaradia
- Barry Baker
- Belinda Cannell
- Chris Gaskin
- Karen Dick
- Karina Sorrell
- Lauren Roman
- Lisa O’Neill
- Melanie Massaro
- Penny Beaver
- Yuna Kim
Scientific Programme Committee
Curating high-quality scientific content and sessions.
- Akinori Takahashi
- Barry Baker
- Graeme Taylor
- Grant Humphries
- Juliet Lamb
- Ken Morgan
- Kirsty Franklin
- Marc Romano
- Natalia Rosciano
- Pat Jodice
- Debs Allbrook
Early Career Scientist Committee
Championing the next generation of seabird researchers.
- Ally Lemon
- Jacqui Glencross
- Karina Sorrell
- Lauren Roman
- Lily Bentley
Travel Awards Committee
Supporting equitable access through travel funding and awards.
- Alan Tennyson
- Chris Gaskin
- Melanie Steinkamp
- Melina Barrionuevo
- Yuna Kim
- Ursula Ellenberg
- Fiona McDuie
- Christina Hagen
- Alejandro Simeone
- Cristian Suazo
- Miran Kim
- Jonathan Rutter
Hybrid Event Committee
Ensuring an accessible and high-quality hybrid experience.
- Alex Robbins
- Anna Vallery
- Barry Baker
- Carlos Braxtzo
- Phil Zavalaga Reyes
- Carrie Kovalick
- Cinthia Irigoin
- Lisa O’Neill
- Marc Romano
- Nicholas Carlile
- Sami Dodino
Student Awards Committee
Creating opportunities for student participation and development.
- Alan Tennyson
- Belinda Cannell
- Lauren Roman
- Yuna Kim
Communications Committee
Promoting engagement and visibility for WSC4.
- Carrie Kovalick
- Chris Gaskin
WSU Committee
Representing the WSU leadership and coordination.
- Lindsay Young
Fundraising Committee
Helping secure vital funding and sponsorships.
- Carrie Kovalick
- Lindsay Young
- Lisa O’Neill
- Robb Kaler
The World Seabird Conference (WSC) is an in-person event that will also include a fully virtual day. It brings together seabird scientists, conservationists, policy-makers, students, and NGOs from more than 50 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse gatherings in the field of marine conservation. This conference fosters collaboration across various disciplines, regions, and generations.
Since 2010, the World Seabird Conference has united and inspired the global seabird research community every five years. Explore the milestones of this premier event:
- WSC1 – Victoria, Canada (2010)
- WSC2 – Cape Town, South Africa (2015)
- WSC3 – Virtual (2021, due to COVID-19)
- WSC4 – Hobart, Australia (7–11 September 2026)
Whether your interests lie in seabird ecology, marine policy, climate change impacts, or science communication, the World Seabird Conference offers a singular opportunity to engage with leading international researchers, exchange the latest findings, and contribute to the future direction of seabird conservation.
Early-bird registration closes 12 June 2026.
Whether you plan to attend in Hobart, Tasmania, or participate online from elsewhere in the world, the FAQ section offers guidance to support a well-prepared and productive WSC4 experience.
- Early bird registration closes on 12 June 2026.
- Keynote speakers announced. Details below.
- The conference programme will be released in mid-April.
- Notifications for abstract submissions and travel awards were issued on 27 March 2026.
- Abstract submissions are now closed. We received an overwhelming response, with more than 630 abstracts submitted. Thank you for your support — we look forward to delivering a strong and engaging scientific programme.
- Travel award applications are now closed.
The 4th World Seabird Conference (WSC4) will be a hybrid event, offering both in-person and virtual participation to maximise global accessibility.
For the first time, the WSC will enable participation at scale, ensuring that seabird researchers and conservation professionals can engage regardless of travel restrictions or funding limitations.
Conference Trip: Full-day pelagic adventure along Tasmania’s spectacular coastline. Learn more.
Post Conference: Extend your stay and explore the very best of Hobart and the surrounding region. A curated selection of full-day and half-day guided tours in Hobart and southern Tasmania is available following the conference. Learn more.
past conferences
1st WSC: 2010 — Victoria, BC, Canada
- The inaugural WSC convened over 800 participants from more than 50 countries.
- Over 700 presentations were delivered, shaping frameworks for seabird science, data exchange, and management/conservation efforts in the following decade.
- Programme highlights included over 120 contributed papers, four Primary Symposia, nine Special Paper Sessions, and more than 360 poster presentations across two poster sessions.
- Legacy workshops focused on improving access to seabird information and data, particularly across regional and global scales.
2nd WSC: 2015 — Cape Town, South Africa
- Held from 26 to 30 October 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
- Nearly 600 delegates from 52 countries attended, participating in general sessions, symposia, workshops, and poster presentations.
- Over 400 presentations by more than 1,700 authors and presenters.
- Poster sessions spanned two days each and were thematically aligned with the oral presentations. Legacy workshops again emphasised data sharing, collaboration, and integration of seabird science globally.