3/10 UPDATE: Registration is still open but additional registrants may not be included in food numbers
NEPSS CONFERENCE GUIDE AND SCHEDULE RELEASED:
Northeast Pacific Shark Symposium VII (NEPSS)
March 19-21, 2026
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Gladys Valley Marine Science Building
2030 SE Marine Science Dr
Newport, OR 97365
The Big Fish Lab at Oregon State University, in partnership with the Seattle Aquarium, is excited to host the Northeast Pacific Shark Symposium (NEPSS) VII on March 19-21, 2026 in Newport, OR, USA. This conference is the largest gathering of shark biologists on the west coast of the Americas. The symposium will include research talks, social gatherings, and workshops aimed at advancing our understanding of northeast Pacific sharks, rays, and more.
All are welcome to attend, whether you're a seasoned shark scientist or someone interested in learning more about the cutting-edge shark research happening on our coasts. We especially encourage students to attend and present their research or even research plan. Registration is required for all, however. Those who submit abstracts will need to register separately. Registration now open!
Conference History
This biennial shark meeting began in 2004, was initially called the Cowshark Conservation Workshop and focused on the biology and ecology of Sixgill and Sevengill Sharks, known as “Cowsharks” and distinguished by their extra gill slits. Many sharks have five gill slits but sixgills have six and sevengills have seven—hence their names. Cowsharks remained the focus of the meeting for 10 years until, in 2014, it was changed to be called the Northeast Pacific Shark Symposium (NEPSS). The change was driven in part because of increased interest by scientists that studied sharks and rays outside of the Cowshark family as well as the fact that at the first NEPSS we also convened an International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Northeast Pacific Shark specialist group meeting where IUCN members worked on regional re-assessments of Northeast Pacific shark conservation status updates. Since then, the meeting has been known as the NEPSS, although the sixgill image remains the logo for the conference. This symposium is the largest gathering of shark and ray scientists along the west coast of North and Central America.
Conference Details
The conference will consist of 3 days of events including in-person presentations (fast-paced, 5-minute talks), workshops, and social networking events, held from March 19-21, 2026.
Detailed presentation and workshop schedule can be found here.
Thursday March 19
- Afternoon workshop
- Evening welcome and mixer event at Hatfield Marine Science Center (snacks and drink tickets included)
Friday March 20
- Talks and workshops throughout the day at the Hatfield Marine Science Center
- Evening mixer at the Oregon Coast Aquarium (dinner and drink tickets included)
Saturday March 21
- Talks throughout the day at the Hatfield Marine Science Center
- Optional workshops in the afternoon
Workshops:
NEPSS VII aims to facilitate conversations and solutions among colleagues. See more information about our workshops here.
Social Events
Thursday Icebreaker: The evening of March 19th, we will host registration and a welcome address and mixer (light appetizers and drinks provided by our sponsors) from 6-8 pm at the Hatfield Marine Science Center! This Icebreaker is included in registration fee and is supported by our sponsors. Dress attire: casual
Aquarium Mixer: We will be hosting a catered mixer on Saturday, March 20th from 6-9 pm at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, OR. Dinner and drinks will be included in the registration cost. Conference attendees will be able to network and explore the aquarium after hours. This mixer is included in your registration fee and is supported by our sponsors. Dress attire: casual
Merch
3/1/26 UPDATE: shirt orders are CLOSED. Those who pre-purchased can pick up at registration booth.
We want to make the NEPSS VII as accessible and well-attended as possible! To minimize barriers, we’re reallocating merch funds towards student travel scholarships. That being said, long sleeve t-shirts will still be available ($30) for those who pre-purchase. This year's design was created by BFL PhD Candidate Jess Schulte, and features a retro design of Oregon sharks swimming under the iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, OR. Note that NO t-shirts will be available for purchase at the event — you must pre-order ahead of time. If you already purchased a registration and want to order a shirt, you can order the shirt separately (no registration purchase needed). Deadline to order shirts is CLOSED . T-shirts will be available for pickup upon check-in at NEPSS.
Registration:
All are welcome to attend, including students and non-shark scientists. Registration is required for all, however. Those who submit abstracts will need to register separately. Note that there will be no virtual options for NEPSS VII.
General Registration
Registration is $200 for early bird (extended to Jan 15, 2026) and then $250 up until the event. A limited number of on-site registration tickets will be available for $300. General registration includes a ticket to both mixers.
Student Registration
Students who are not presenting may purchase tickets for a reduced price of $60, thanks to our generous sponsors. All student registration includes a ticket to both mixers as well as a swag item.
Thanks to our sponsors, registration is free (with code) for students who are presenting. Students are highly encouraged to attend and present. All students must submit a student number when registering. Please be prepared to show a student ID upon check in. If you submit an abstract and need a code to register for free, please email [email protected]
Guest Registration
Guests are welcome to attend the Thursday icebreaker with the purchase of a $20 ticket and aquarium mixer for a $50 ticket.
Abstract Submissions
The abstracts deadline for NEPSS VII is CLOSED. Accepted abstracts were notified. Separate registration is required whether you submit an abstract or not.
Presenter Guidelines and Information
Talks will be limited to quick, 7-minute presentations (5 min talk, 2 min question) to encourage clear, concise, and focused findings or take-home messages. This format is designed to highlight the breadth of work being shared, and to prioritize clarity and impact over detail. We also have a number of mixer and social events, which will allow further follow up discussions and details that the presentation periods don't allow for. Please note that, given the local science community and nearby Oregon State University main campus, NEPSS VII will be attended by OSU students, non-scientists, and members of the Hatfield/OSU community (i.e., non-shark scientists), so keep that in mind when putting together your talk.
We are excited that presentations and A/V will be handled by Animal Professionals, who have supported NEPSS in the past. They will be collecting presentations ahead of time online. Please have all your presentations uploaded by Wednesday, March 19 at 5:00 pm. Animal Professionals will be contacting presenters directly with more details.
Accessibility
NEPSS and the Big Fish Lab are committed to making our event accessible to everyone. If you require an accommodation to participate, please contact conference organizers at [email protected] with the subject line "Accommodation Request" at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
Venue
The Hatfield Marine Science Center is a distinguished marine laboratory located in Newport, Oregon. Since 1965, Hatfield has been a hub for coastal research and serves as an oceanographic research base for six state and federal agencies. Hatfield is also home to Oregon State University’s Marine Operations, which includes research vessels, marine tech, and support services.
The Gladys Valley Marine Science Building (GVMSB) expands Hatfield’s footprint by 72,000 square feet, providing much-needed space for research, meetings, classes, and conferences. The GVMSB allows Hatfield to build capacity, a diversity of labs, and expand student programs anchored on the Oregon coast. In addition to a 250-seat auditorium, a 2,563 square-foot Innovation Lab, and a vertical evacuation space for coastal communities, the GVMSB also features the locally-owned Rise Cafe, offering coffee, lunch, and snacks with seating in front of a cozy fireplace – great for enjoying a warm drink and connecting with collaborators.
Travel
There are a variety of ways to get to Newport, OR. Note that Newport does not have a commercial airport, but there are a number of options to get here. NEPSS attendees can travel by rental car to Newport from Portland International Airport (3-hour drive) or Eugene Airport (2-hour drive). Public transportation is also available via Amtrak, which will take attendees all the way to Newport (via train/bus) as well as the Groome shuttle van (Portland <--> Corvallis only). The Big Fish Lab will provide complimentary scheduled vans between Corvallis and Newport (sign up required - more info coming soon).
International travelers are absolutely welcome (and encouraged) to attend. If you are traveling internationally and have any questions or needs from the Symposium organizers, please email [email protected]
Travel Assistance
- We want to make the NEPSS VII as accessible and well-attended as possible to encourage connections and collaborations. This is why the NEPSS VII planning committee is excited to offer a limited number of need-based travel scholarships available to students, with priority given to international students. If you require travel assistance to attend the conference, please fill out the NEPSS Travel Scholarship Application. Travel assistance needs to be requested by January 15th and we will communicate award notifications at the beginning of February.
- UPDATE (2/2) - travel award notifications have been sent out. Unless arrranged ahead of time, travel awards will be given as reimbursements at the registration desk.
Hotel Information
NEPSS blocks
The Best Western Plus Agate Beach
3019 N Coast Hwy, Newport, OR 97365
Rooms are $120.00 + lodging tax, the Government Per Diem rate for Lincoln County.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
135 SE 32nd St., Newport, OR 97365
Total inclusive cost per room is $132.00 per room, per night.
Reservations may be made by clicking on the block reservation link or calling the hotel directly (541-867-3377) and ask to make a reservation under group code "SHA" with the Group Sales Department. Please note that the cutoff date for these reservations was Friday, February 20, 2026.
Hatfield housing
In addition to the NEPSS reservation block at the nearby Holiday Inn Express & Suites, we are excited to announce reduced price housing at the Hatfield Marine Science Center’s brand new Harborton Street housing as well as the nearby Historic Housing. Reservations are first come-first served. Rooms range from $85/night/person for single occupancy rooms to $22/night/person for dormitory style rooms. As of 2/27/2026, Hatfield housing reservations are officially full.
Restaurants/Activities in Newport
Restaurants
- RISE Grab & Go Kitchen
- Flashbacks Fountain & Grill
- Off The Hook Bar & Grill
- South Beach Fish Market
Activities
Oregon Coast Aquarium - Located on Yaquina Bay, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a fun and educational destination that showcases the incredible wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can explore tidepool touch tanks, watch playful otters and seals, stroll through a seabird aviary, and walk beneath sharks in the famous Passages of the Deep exhibit. With interactive displays, a mesmerizing jellyfish gallery, and habitats highlighting Oregon’s coastal ecosystems, the aquarium offers an engaging experience for all ages.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Natural Area - Perched on a dramatic headland, Yaquina Head offers stunning ocean views, a historic working lighthouse, and abundant wildlife viewing from seabirds to seals to intertidal critters. Visitors can explore scenic trails, a fascinating visitor center and museum, and tide pools brimming with marine life, making it both a beautiful and educational stop along the coast.
Newport Historic Bayfront - Newport’s Historic Bayfront is a lively waterfront district filled with shops, restaurants, and working fishing vessels. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, watch sea lions lounging on the docks, and take in scenic harbor views from the many benches along the way, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or a relaxed meal by the water.
Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center - This interactive museum and aquarium offers hands-on exhibits, tide pools, and even a resident octopus. With engaging programs for all ages, it’s a fun and engaging stop where visitors can explore the science and wonders of Oregon’s coastal ecosystems.
Sponsors and Supporters
NEPSS would not be able to happen without our sponsors. Special thank you to the following:
Gold Level Sponsors
Silver Level Sponsors
Bronze Level Sponsors
