CERF is dedicated to broadening participation in coastal and estuarine science and management.  As part of its Rising TIDES (Toward an Inclusive, Diverse, and Enriched Society) program, the Broadening Participation Council has developed a comprehensive plan to promote an inclusive culture and opportunities for underrepresented and underserved minorities in coastal and estuarine science at all career stages. 

The plan is based upon input received from CERF members and attendees during facilitated workshops and guided discussions at the 2017 CERF conference. 

CERF has joined with 99 organizations to launch the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) to advance professional and ethical conduct, climate, and culture in STEMM disciplines.

The Societies Consortium reflects a shared understanding that professional societies have a unique responsibility in their role as standard-setters and standard-bearers for STEMM fields to address the pervasive problem of sexual and gender harassment.

CERF is excited to announce the creation of a new Legacy Fund. The Legacy Fund is a way to honor scientists, resource managers, decision-makers, educators, and others for their important contributions to the understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide.  

The Fund will support unique and valuable enhancements to the research or career development of student and early-career members of the Federation through scholarships given at the CERF Biennial Conference. 

Check out the latest from CERF's Up! 

Volume 45.1 features student papers, affiliate society updates, and the latest news and details about CERF 2019. 

CERF has joined with the other members of the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies (CASS) to request an extension on the Comment Period for the proposed rule revising the definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS).

CASS Requests Extension of Public Comment Period for Proposed WOTUS Rule

Out with the ORG – In with the New!

After many years of "erf.org," we decided that it was finally time for a change. CERF is proud to be a scientifically progressive Federation, and as such has replaced "org" with "science."

In addition, CERF's old domain name was an artifact of the time when we were still just the Estuarine Research Federation; we figured it was time to add the "C"!

CERF, in conjunction with eight other scientific societies, has released a statement expressing deep concern with the proposed rule issued by the EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers to replace the 2015 Clean Water Rule (Waters of the United States Rule or WOTUS), released 11 December 2018. 

Read the Full Statement

Check out the latest from CERF's Up! 

Volume 44.4 features student papers, affiliate society updates, and the latest news and details about CERF 2019. 

Make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest papers from Estuaries and Coasts. Coastal and Estuarine Science News (CESN) is our way of sharing summaries of articles we think are relevant and applicable to CERF members.

The November issue is now available in English and Spanish! 

CERF's Up! Vol. 44.3 Now Available

The newest issue of CERF's Up! is now available, and features informative and reflective letters from the CERF Board, important membership updates, and new industry-related articles from students and professionals in coastal and estuarine research.

In this issue, you are encouraged to read a specially-written article touching on how CERF finds and selects our conference venues while keeping the importance of diversity and inclusion in mind. Learn more about "The Search for the Goldilocks Conference Venue" on page 15 of the newsletter.

The CERF community recently lost Susan Williams, a beloved and respected CERF Past President (2009–2011) and Distinguished Professor of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California Davis, on 24 April, 2018. There will be a celebration of Susan on Friday, 26 October, with a day-long remembrance of How Susan Influenced My Science and a Celebration of Susan's Life. A welcome reception will take place on the evening of 25 October and there will be a picnic at Bodega Marine Lab on 27 October. These events are open to all family, friends, and scientific colleagues of Susan.

More information can be found on the event page and on Facebook.

The CERF's Up! newsletter volume 44 issue 2 is now available! Meet the new CERF's Up! Editor-in-chief Jason Howard, learn about the official theme of the CERF 2019 conference, and read the latest updates on our Affiliate Societies. Read CERF's Up! online today!

We are deeply saddened by the news that Susan Williams, CERF Past President and renowned marine ecologist, has passed away. She was a dear friend, generous mentor, and role model to so many in the CERF community. She will be greatly missed. Our condolences to her family and friends. 

Susan Williams

CERF has joined over 100 institutions and organizations in support of FY2019 funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF). The testimony was submitted to the Appropriations Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, and Science for both the House of Representatives and Senate. The testimony highlights the importance of NSF geoscience research, infrastructure, and education as vital to addressing critical security issues related to national defense, economic competitiveness, and public health and safety. Read the full testimony.

Volume 44.1 is now available online! Hear from CERF President Hilary Neckles about #Whatsnext, catch up with CERF's Affiliate Societies, and learn about upcoming events. Read CERFs Up online today! 

You Asked. We Listened.
Early professional membership has been extended!

CERF prides itself on being student and early career friendly, as these members are the heart and soul of our society, as well as the future of our discipline. Because of this, CERF has extended the early professional membership to those who are five-years post degree. CERF recognizes that for early professionals, membership dues can be a substantial cost, and we want to encourage our early-career members to stay engaged and take advantage of career development and other CERF opportunities as they become established in their professions. 

CERF is proud to announce the recipients of the 2017 Rising TIDES (Toward an Inclusive, Diverse, and Enriched Society) Conference Mentoring Program awards.   Rising TIDES will jointly support underrepresented minority (URM) students and mentors to participate in CERF 2017 - 24^th Biennial Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, 5-9 November 2017.

CERF received 75 applications from students based at institutions around the world.  From these applications, 11 student/mentor pairs were selected:

The Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) strongly condemns the actions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prohibit three EPA scientists, who are also CERF members, from presenting their research at “The State of Narragansett Bay and Its Watershed” workshop in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 23, 2017. Such censorship compromises the fundamental role of science to understand and report on our natural world, and goes against the EPA's long history of being an important partner in coastal research. Read the full statement.