American Elasmobranch Society
12th Annual Meeting
Herpetologists' League
44th Annual Meeting
American Fisheries Society - Early Life History Section
20th Annual Larval Fish Conference
Southeastern Fishes Council
22nd Annual Meeting
Neotropical Ichthyological Association
8th Annual Meeting
June 13-19, 1996
Host
Department of Biological Sciences
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana 70148
MEETING SITE
The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, the American Elasmobranch Society, the Herpetologists' League, the American Fisheries Society - Early Life History Section, the Southeastern Fishes Council and the Neotropical Ichthyological Association will meet in New Orleans from June 13 - 19, 1996. All sessions will be held at the Hotel Inter-Continental, 444 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA.
HOST
The University of New Orleans (UNO) is proud to host the 1996 meeting. UNO was established in 1956 to bring public-supported higher education to the state's largest urban community. With nearly 16,000 students and more than one hundred degree programs, UNO embraces its mission.
NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is one of the most distinctive and exciting cities in the world. Over its 277-year history, the city has melded countless cultures and historical influences into a mixture that is best described with a culinary metaphor, gumbo - a thick, rich soup. Evidence of the many influences that have shaped the city's history can be found in its architecture, art, food and music. The meeting site, the Hotel Inter- Continental, provides easy access to a host of attractions. The French Quarter with its unique architecture, superb assortment of restaurants, art galleries and exciting night life is only a few blocks from the hotel. Mississippi River paddle wheelers, the Aquarium of the Americas and Woldenberg Park are on the riverfront, also only a short walk from the hotel. Streetcars provide direct access to the historic Garden District and Audubon Park and Zoological Gardens.
WEATHER
Expect hot days, temperatures at or above 90°F, with ample humidity, and equally warm, humid nights (clothes will seem a burden). Afternoon showers are common in mid-June.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Registration
To register, complete the Conference Registration form (copy at the end of the announcement), indicating your interest in banquets, the picnic at the House of Blues, field trips, t-shirts, group photos, etc. Mail or FAX completed forms as soon as possible. Early registration will facilitate our planning, save you money and ensure availability of tickets for special events. To take advantage of pre-registration rates, your completed registration form with all fees must be postmarked or received by FAX by April 1, 1996. Payment must be made in U.S. dollars and can be made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Check or Money Order. On-site registration will begin at 1300 on Thursday, June 13.
Hotel Accommodations
You must reserve lodging with the hotel of your choice. Rooms have been set aside at the Hotel Inter-Continental (host hotel) and the Le Pavillon Hotel (overflow) and are available now. To secure lodging, complete the Hotel Reservation form (at end of the announcement) and mail it with payment to the hotel of your choice or call the hotel directly. Our room block expires on May 13, 1996, after which rooms will be by availability only. Hotel Reservation forms must be received before this date.
Paper or Poster Presentations
If you plan to present a paper or poster, follow the instructions for submitting abstracts contained within this announcement. Send your abstract via e-mail by April 1, 1996 to asih96@cornell.edu or by regular mail, postmarked by March 15, 1996, on floppy disk to:
Julian Humphries
Cornell Vertebrate Collections
83 Brown Road, Building 3
Ithaca, NY 14850
Please submit your abstract as soon as possible; we are limited to 650
oral presentations.
Symposia and Awards
Read further for possible involvement in symposia and eligibility for awards and indicate interest when submitting your abstract.
DEADLINES
Pre-registration - April 1, 1996
Abstract submission
E-mail (preferred) - April 1, 1996
Floppy disk - March 15, 1996
Hotel reservations - May 13, 1996
Scientific Sessions
Symposia
Seven symposia are planned; participation is by invitation only. To have your paper considered for inclusion in a symposium, please contact the organizers immediately.
"Phylogeny, evolution and behavioral ecology of gobioid fishes." ASIH - Helen Larson, Kathleen Cole and Mike Fitzsimons, co-conveners. Contact HL: Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, GPO Box 4646, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia; phone: 089-89-8201; FAX: 089-89-8289; hklarson@ozemail.com.au. KC: Biology Department, Bishop's University, Lennoxville, Quebec, J1M 1Z7, Canada; (819) 822- 9600; FAX (819) 822-9661; kcole@arus.ubishop.ca. JMF: Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; (504) 388- 3079; FAX: (504) 388-3075; jfitzs@lsuvm.sncc.lsu.edu.
"Zoogeography of the Gulf of Mexico." ASIH - Stephen A. Bortone, convener. Contact SAB: Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Research, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL 32514; (904) 474-3251; FAX: (904) 474-3130; sbortone@castaway.cc.uwf.edu.
"Biology of skates." AES - Carl A. Luer and William Raschi, co- conveners. Contact CAL: Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236; (941) 388-4441; FAX: (941) 388-4312; caluer@marinelab.sarasota.fl.us; WR: Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837; (717) 524-1209; FAX: (717) 524-3760; raschi@bucknell.edu.
"Ecology and evolution of unisexual fishes." ASIH - Ingo Schlupp, convener. Contact IS: Universitaet Wuerzburg, Theodor-Boveri-Institut, Physiologische Cheme I, Am Hubland, D-97074, Wuerzburg, Germany; phone 931/888-4152; FAX: 931/888-4150; schlupp@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de.
"Life history, taxonomy and recruitment of reef-fish larvae and juveniles." AFS-ELHS - Richard F. Shaw, convener. Contact RFS: Coastal Fisheries Institute, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803- 7503; (504) 388-6455; FAX: (504) 388-6513.
"Neotropical fishes." NIA - Cristina Cox Fernandes and Paulo Petry, co-conveners. Contact CCF or PP: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia, CPBA Cp. 478 Manaus AM 69083-000 Brasil; phone (92) 643- 3253, 643-3254; FAX: (92) 643-3284; ccf@cr-am.rnp.br or petryp@cr-am.rnp.br.
"Intraspecific variation in the behavior and ecology of amphibians." HL - Sharon E. Wise and Bryant W. Buchanan, co-conveners. Contact SW or BB: Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201; (314) 884-6755; FAX (314) 882-0123; swise@biosci.mbp.missouri.edu or bbryant@biosci.mbp.missouri.edu.
Plenary Session
The University of New Orleans will welcome the members of ASIH, AES, HL, AFS-ELHS, SFC and NIA at the Plenary Session on the morning of June 14, with introductions, presidential addresses for ASIH and AES and the Distinguished Herpetologist lecture for HL, ASIH, AES and HL group photographs will be taken after the plenary addresses.
Contributed Papers
Contributed paper sessions will be held daily from the afternoon of June 14 through June 18 in meeting rooms at the host hotel. Oral presentations that are not part of the symposia will be grouped by subject matter. Time limits will be strictly enforced: 15 minutes total (12- minute presentation and 3-minute question period). To participate or obtain additional information see "Submitting Abstracts" in this announcement.
Posters
Because time for oral presentations is limited, we encourage you to consider a poster exhibit, especially if you are making multiple presentations. Poster exhibits offer an excellent opportunity for interaction between presenter and audience, allowing a more extensive exchange of ideas.
Poster presentations require submission of an abstract in the same format as for oral papers (see "Submitting Abstracts"). After acceptance of abstracts, presenters will be notified by mail of session assignments and times during which they must be present at the poster. Maximum size is four feet (height) by six feet (width). Presenters will be responsible for providing pins or other materials to secure posters to boards. Student presenters who are members of ASIH should consider registering for the ASIH Storer Awards for best student posters.
Workshops
The Environmental Quality Committee of ASIH will hold a workshop entitled: "Getting Involved: the Role of Scientists in Conservation." Co- organizers are Selina Heppell and Phil Pister. Interested parties should contact SH: Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, ssh4@acpub.duke.edu or (619) 872-8751.
AES will hold a workshop entitled: "How to Land a Job."
Student Awards
AES Samuel Gruber Award
The American Elasmobranch Society will present the Samuel Gruber Award for the best student oral presentation on elasmobranch biology given during the AES paper sessions. This award is named for the society's founder who continues to be a constant source of inspiration for students in this challenging field of study.
Gruber Award Eligibility and Judging
To be eligible, a student must (1) be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have completed his/her degree within 12 months of the presentation, (2) be a member in good standing of AES, (3) be first or sole author of a contributed paper and (4) indicate on the abstract her/his intention to compete.Students will be judged by a panel of AES members representing various backgrounds. Evaluation will be based on the quality, originality and significance of the research as well as the student's presentation. Each participant will receive a copy of the judging form prior to the meeting to establish the evaluation criteria. The Gruber Award winner will be announced at the AES banquet.
ASIH Stoye Awards
Stoye Awards of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists recognize the best student oral presentations in the following categories:
1. General Ichthyology includes, but is not limited to, morphological and molecular systematics, techniques in systematics, zoogeography, paleontology and faunal descriptions.
2. General Herpetology includes, but is not limited to, morphological and molecular systematics, techniques in systematics, zoogeography, paleontology and faunal descriptions.
3. Genetics, Development and Morphology includes, but is not limited to, population genetics, mitochondrial DNA analysis, comparative embryology, heterochrony, descriptive and experimental development, comparative and evolutionary morphology, functional morphology and biomechanics.
4. Ecology and Ethology includes, but is not limited to, population and community ecology, life history strategies, descriptive and experimental ethology, behavioral ecology, neuroethology and ecomorphology.
5. Physiology and Physiological Ecology includes, but is not limited to, comparative and experimental physiology, biochemistry, sensory and behavioral physiology and endocrinology.
ASIH Storer Awards
Storer Awards of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists recognize the best student poster presentations in two categories:
1) Ichthyology
2) Herpetology
Stoye and Storer Awards Eligibility & Judging
To be eligible for either Stoye or Storer Awards, a student must (1) be the sole author and presenter, (2) be a member of ASIH, (3) indicate a desire to be considered when submitting an abstract (see "Submitting Abstracts") and (4) meet the ASIH criteria for "student": "an individual who at the time the paper is given ... is the equivalent of a full-time student (... an individual who is devoting their major efforts to a formal program of studies) or who has satisfactorily completed a thesis or dissertation defense during the previous 12 months." Stoye and Storer presentations are judged by the following criteria: introduction; methods; data analysis and interpretation; conclusions - innovation, originality and scientific significance; presentation; and visual aids or graphic design. The rating scale is 0-10 points: excellent (9-10), very good (7-8), good (4-6), fair (2-3), poor (0-1).
ASIH Student Travel Awards
Ten Student Travel Awards of $200 each will be awarded to help defray travel expenses to the meetings. The awards are intended to assist students who are presenting a paper or poster at the meeting. Applications should include the abstract of the talk or poster, information on the expected cost of attending the meeting and alternative sources of funding. Applications can be submitted via e-mail or regular post. In the past there have been very few applications for these awards. Any student making a presentation is encouraged to apply. Awards are limited to students who have not won in the past. Selection is by random draw from among qualified applicants, with 5 awards for herpetologists and 5 for ichthyologists. Applications should be postmarked by April 1, 1996. Direct queries and completed applications to Adam Summers, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; summers@bio.umass.edu.
Herpetologists' League Award for Graduate Research
Student members of the Herpetologists' League are encouraged to submit manuscripts for the Herpetologists' League Award for Graduate Research. The award winner will receive $500 (U.S.) and ten years of back issues of Herpetologica, plus an invitation to submit an expanded, full- length manuscript to Herpetologica for publication (subject to normal review process). If accepted, the paper will appear as a lead article in an issue of the journal, with an editorial preface identifying the paper as the winner of the Herpetologists' League Award for Graduate Research. The award winner will be announced at the HL Business Meeting on June 16, 1996.
Applicants must (1) submit a manuscript and (2) give an oral presentation at the annual meeting. All oral presentations in this competition will be given during special sessions devoted to student presentations, probably on June 15. Presentations will be 15 minutes (12 minutes for the presentation and 3 minutes for questions).
Qualifications
An applicant must be (1) a member of the Herpetologists' League, (2) a registered graduate student or up to 15 months into a postdoctoral program and (3) the first author of the submitted manuscript and oral presentation.
Submitted Manuscript Rules
The applicant must submit an original and three copies of the manuscript formatted for publication in Herpetologica (see back page of current issue for guidelines) to Dr. John B. Iverson, Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374; (317) 983-1405; FAX: (317) 983-1497; johni@earlham.edu. Manuscripts must not be more than nine double-spaced pages (including Literature Cited), plus up to four pages of figures and tables.
Students submitting papers should contact the HL President (see above) for information on Student Travel Awards.
NIA Award
The NIA award recognizes the best student presentation on any aspect of Neotropical fishes. Qualifications include: (1) membership in the Neotropical Ichthyological Association (membership is free; contact John Lundberg, Department of Zoology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721; (520) 621-4005; FAX (520) 621-9190; dclade@ccit.arizona.edu), (2) current enrollment in a college or university degree program, (3) oral presentation of a paper addressing an aspect of Neotropical fishes and (4) sole authorship of the paper. Please indicate your desire to be considered for the award when submitting the abstract (see "Submitting Abstracts"). NIA presentations are judged by ASIH rules (See eligibility for Stoye and Storer awards).
ELHS Sally L. Richardson Award
The Sally L. Richardson Award will be presented by the AFS Early Life History Section for the best student paper (no posters) given at the Larval Fish Conference. To be eligible, an applicant must (1) currently be enrolled as a student or have completed requirements for a graduate degree within the past academic year, (2) be the sole or senior author of the paper and (3) make an oral presentation. The competition is not restricted to members of AFS or ELHS and is open to students from any country. Please indicate your intention to be considered for the award when submitting your abstract.
Accommodations
The Hotel Inter-Continental, 444 St. Charles Ave., is the host hotel. Rooms are available under the name "ASIH." A single or double is $90 per day; a triple is $95 and a quad is $100. All room rates are subject to an 11% city and state sales tax, plus a $2 per room per night occupancy tax. To register, please return the Hotel Reservation Form or call the hotel at (800) 445-6563 or (504) 525-5566 before May 13, 1996. After that date rooms will be subject to availability. Check-in time is 1600; check-out time is 1300.
The Le Pavillon Hotel, 833 Poydras St., is a two-block walk from our host hotel. Rooms are available under the name "ASIH." A single is $95 per day; a double is $100. All room rates are subject to an 11% city and state sales tax, plus a $2 per room per night occupancy tax. To register, please return the Hotel Reservation Form or call the hotel at (800) 535-9095 or (504) 581-3111 before May 13, 1996. After that date rooms will be subject to availability. Check-in time is 1600; check-out time is 1200.
There are many other hotels within walking distance of the meeting site; prices vary substantially. Your local travel agent is the best source of information on the many alternatives and prices.
Student Roommate Matching
Graduate students are encouraged to stay at the Hotel Inter- Continental, the site of all paper and poster sessions, symposia, workshops, business meetings and banquets. The hotel is close to all sponsored and paid socials and the French Quarter. Inexpensive food is available near the hotel, and the Local Committee will provide guides to help locate the best values.
To help reduce housing costs for graduate student members, the Local Committee will provide a roommate matching service. To participate in the program, send an e-mail message (greatly preferred) or a postcard with your name, telephone number, full postal and e-mail address if available, gender and preference for smoking or non-smoking to:
Michael Guill
Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
310 Dinwiddie Hall
Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118-5698, USA.
guill@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
By providing information, participants give ASIH meeting organizers permission to circulate said information. A list of those seeking roommates will be sent to you, and it will then be your responsibility to contact possible roommates. You and your roommate(s) must make reservations with the Hotel Inter-Continental, Le Pavillon Hotel, or other hotel of your choice. Remember, reservations must be made at the two meeting hotels by May 13, 1996. Please notify the roommate coordinator after hotel arrangements have been made, and your name will be removed from the mailing list.
New Orleans offers its distinctive and diverse cuisine (Cajun, Creole, seafood, etc.) in the highest per capita accumulation of restaurants in the world. An eclectic collection of eateries ranging from fast food to five star restaurants is within blocks of the host hotel. An extensive list of favorites and nearby eating establishments will be provided with registration packets. Two restaurants are available in the Hotel Inter-Continental. The Veranda, home of internationally recognized chef Willy Coln, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a champagne jazz brunch on Sunday. Pete's Pub serves sandwiches and other light fare, and a snack bar offers pastries, coffee and assorted snacks. Room service is available 24 hours.
Recreation
The Hotel-Intercontinental has exercise facilities, including fitness equipment and a pool, on the 15th floor. Registered guests also can use facilities at the Hilton Hotel (indoor and outdoor tracks, tennis and racquetball courts, basketball courts and pools) and at the Elmwood Fitness Center (a comprehensive athletic facility) at a reduced rate ($10 per visit). The YMCA, 920 St. Charles Ave., also offers a comprehensive athletic facility; daily use fee is $5.
Banquets, Socials and Receptions
On Thursday, June 13, there will be an informal reception and cash- bar at Pete's Pub in the Hotel Inter-Continental, starting at 1800. The bar has a selection of imported and local microbrewery beers on draught.
The ASIH/AES Women's Committee Luncheon will be heldon Friday, June 14, after the group photo session (1200). The site will be announced in the Meeting Program. Please indicate your interest on the registration form so that a sufficient quantity of lunches will be available for purchase by participants.
A general reception for all meeting participants will be held at the Aquarium of the Americas (see map) at 1900 on Friday, June 14 (food and libations provided).
A graduate student reception with solid and liquid refreshments will be held at 1730, Saturday, June 15, at the Hotel Inter-Continental.
Also on the evening of June 15, the Canadian Association of Herpetologists/Association Canadienne des Herpetologists will hold its banquet at a seafood restaurant near the Hotel Inter-Continental.
The AFS-ELHS members will gather for a social on Saturday (1800- 1930) at a site to be announced. Activities will include a Sally L. Richardson Graduate Student Award raffle. Anyone wishing to contribute textbooks, identification manuals, t-shirts, fishing gear, etc., please contact Dr. Joanne Lyczkowski-Shutlz, SEFC/NMFS Pascagoula Lab, P.O. Box 1207, Pascagoula, MS 39568; (601) 762-4591.
The North American Native Fishes Association will host a social (cash-bar) on June 15 beginning at 1900 at a site to be announced.
The House of Blues, the hottest music scene in the Crescent City, will be the site of this year's ASIH-HL "Picnic" on Sunday, June 16. Jake and Elwood will be there in spirit from 1830-2200, along with an array of New Orleans cuisine and potables and zydeco music from "Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots." Admission is $30.00.
On Monday evening, June 17, the AES will hold its annual banquet in the Hotel Inter-Continental. Cost is $27. There will be a cash-bar one hour preceding the banquet (1800-1900).
Also on Monday evening, the Audubon Institute will host a free social for herpetologists at the Reptile House in the Audubon Zoological Gardens. Buses will begin loading at 1800. Please indicate your interest in attending on the registration form.
The Neotropical Ichthyological Association will hold a social/ business meeting on Monday, June 17 beginning at 1900 at a site to be announced in the Meeting Program.
The ASIH/HL/AFS-ELHS/NIA Banquet will be held on the evening of Tuesday, June 18, in the Hotel Inter-Continental. The menu will feature a sampling of Cajun and Creole favorites. Cost is $35.00. There will be a cash-bar one hour preceding the banquet (1800-1900).
Field Trips
Four field trips are planned for Wednesday, June 19. Buses will depart from the Hotel Inter-Continental. All trips have minimum and maximum participation limits, so please make reservations in advance by checking the appropriate boxes on the registration form and paying fees by the preregistration deadline. Full refunds will be given for any cancellations.
1. Trawl for marine and estuarine fishes of the Northern Gulf of Mexico with the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON).
Buses will leave at 0700 for the LUMCON Marine Research and Education Center in Cocodrie, LA for a trawling expedition. The Barataria/Terrebonne systems are among the most productive estuaries in the world, accounting for over 30% of the nation's seafood harvest. Trawling will be done by LUMCON's 58-foot research vessel Acadiana. Cost is $15 and participation is limited to 24 (minimum age 12), with a minimum of 12. Bag lunches will be provided. Buses return to the hotel 1700 -1800. Those interested in retaining specimens or who would like additional information should contact John Caruso, (504) 851-2800 or jcaruso@coco.lumcon.edu).
2. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.
The Barataria Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park was established in 1978 to preserve "significant examples of natural and historical resources of the Mississippi Delta." The park includes excellent examples of bottomland hardwood forest, cypress-tupelo swamp and marsh typical of the lower delta region. Trip organizer, Bruce Barnes, will lead participants on a walking tour of the park, and describe the rich natural and cultural history of the lower delta region. Collecting is not permitted in the park, but wildlife-viewing opportunities are excellent! The $25 fee includes lunch at a local Cajun/Creole restaurant. Buses depart at 0800 and return by mid-afternoon. Minimum participation is 10; maximum is 30. For more information, contact Bruce Barnes, (504) 589- 2330.
3. Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station.
Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station is located about 30 miles NW of New Orleans, on Pass Manchac at the upper end of the Lake Pontchartrain estuary. A former cypress/tupelo swamp that was logged, the area is now mostly open marsh, with slightly brackish water. Seining will yield a mixture of marine and freshwater fishes. Herps will include abundant Nerodia, Thamnophis and Agkistrodon, with the potential for seeing many other kinds of snakes, turtles and frogs. Alligators are common, and birding is excellent. The bus will leave New Orleans at 0700 and return in mid-afternoon. Cost is $25 per person (limit 30 persons); lunch is provided. For additional information, contact Bob Hastings, (504) 549-2141 or bhastings@selu.edu.
4. Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL).
Seine and trawl in estuarine waters of Mississippi Sound and local tributaries. Take a tour of the GCRL Labs and Museum to learn about the many research programs and resources of this facility. Collect specimens or take the opportunity to examine ichthyological specimens at the GCRL Museum. The bus will depart New Orleans at 0700 and return 1700 to 1800. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $15 per person. Maximum 30 persons. For more information contact Stuart G. Poss (601) 872-4238.
Scientific Collecting Permits
Applications for scientific collecting permits for fishes, amphibians or reptiles are available from conference organizers but must be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for approval. Application forms can be obtained from Jim Grady, Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148; jmgbs@uno.edu. Please allow thirty days for review by LDWF.
Local Arrangements
For additional information on local arrangements, including rental of display space, contact UNO Conference Services, Metropolitan College, ED 122, New Orleans, LA, 70148; (504) 286-6680; FAX: (504) 286-7317.
General Information
Meeting Site
The Hotel Inter-Continental is in the New Orleans Business District, 444 St. Charles Ave., at the corner of Poydras St. (see map).
Travel
Air
Most major airlines service New Orleans International Airport. Southwest Airlines is proud to be the Official Airlines of the ASIH. As the Official Airline, Southwest is offering a discount on their low everyday unrestricted fare and most of their even lower restricted fares (subject to terms and availability). To take advantage of the special discounted fare offer, call Southwest Airlines Group Desk at (800) 433-5368. Call no later than June 4, 1996, and refer to Identifier Code A6836. Discounts are only available by phoning the Southwest Airlines Group Desk, Monday - Friday, 0800-1700.
Ground transportation between the airport and downtown New Orleans is easily arranged at the airport upon arrival. The Airport Shuttle provides transport to the downtown area on a continuous basis (departing every 8 min.); fare is $10 per person one way. Arrangements can be made at their booth in the baggage claim area. Return reservations are required and can be made by calling (504) 827-3500. For more information contact (504) 592-1991 or (800) 543-6332. Taxi service is also available at approximately $21, one way.
Ground Transportation
AMTRAK and Greyhound Bus Lines service New Orleans. Bus and rail passengers disembark at Union Passenger Terminal, which is about eight blocks from the hotel (see map).
Automobile Travel to New Orleans
Only one major interstate highway (I-10) serves downtown New Orleans, simplifying automobile travel to and from the city. Access to the city from the west and north (I-55) is via I-10 East; I-10 West feeds traffic from the north (I-59) and east. To reach the Hotel Inter- Continental when entering the city from the west, take I-10 East to the New Orleans Business District. Continue on I-10 East as it diverges to the right toward Slidell. Exit to the left at exit 234B - Poydras St./Superdome. The exit ramp directs you onto Poydras St. Continue south on Poydras St. for 0.8 miles to St. Charles Ave. (one way). Go one block farther to Camp St. and turn left. Follow Camp St. for three blocks to Common St. and turn left. Go one block and turn left on St. Charles Ave. The Hotel Inter-Continental will be two blocks ahead on your left.
When entering the city from the east, take I-10 West to the New Orleans Business District. As you reach downtown, exit to the right on exit 235B - Canal St./ Superdome. Follow the exit ramp straight ahead to Canal St. and turn right. Take Canal St. south for 12 blocks to St. Charles Ave. Turn right on St. Charles Ave. and the hotel will be three blocks ahead on the left.
Parking
Both the Hotel Inter-Continental and the Le Pavillon Hotel provide valet parking (with unlimited access) to registered guests. Rates are $12.00/day and $10.00/day, respectively. This is the safest and most convenient way to park for the duration of the meetings. There are many other parking lots near the hotels. Most charge about $10.00 for 24-hr parking, but there may be additional charges for leaving and re-entering. For those anticipating infrequent need of their vehicles during the meeting, two remote parking options are available. Loyola University, on St. Charles Ave. (see map), offers covered parking for $5 per day and can be reached via the St. Charles Ave. streetcar that passes in front of the hotel. Unlimited, free parking is available at UNO. RTA busses serve UNO from downtown. Directions to both remote parking locations will be provided at check-in.
Alternative/Family Activities
Registered accompanying persons may attend all conference social events. The General Reception is free to conference participants. Guest passes are available for children ($30) and are good for the general reception at the Aquarium of the Americas and the picnic at the House of Blues. Adult guests are welcome at the picnic ($30), the ASIH/HL/AFS- ELHS/NIA banquet ($35) and the AES banquet ($27 per person).
A wealth of other attractions, historic, cultural and natural, are available in New Orleans (many within walking distance of the hotel) and throughout the surrounding area. Sites of interest include:
Historic Buildings - St. Louis Cathedral, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Hermann-Grima House, Gallier House.
Plantations - Destrehan, Nottoway, Oak Alley and San Francisco plantations.
Science and Nature - Audubon Zoological Gardens, Louisiana Science and Nature Center, Aquarium of the Americas and the IMAX Theater, City Park Botanical Gardens.
Parks and Recreation - Audubon Park, City Park, Chalmette National Historical Park, Jean Lafitte National Park.
Museums - Louisiana State Museum, the Lousiana Children's Museum, the Presbytere, the Old U.S. Mint, the Cabildo, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Historic New Orleans Collection.
Fine Arts - Contemporary Arts Center, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, Saenger Performing Arts Center, Preservation Hall, many Central Business District Art galleries and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Music - Preservation Hall, Cafe Istanbul, Famous Door, Snug Harbor, House of Blues, Tipitina's, etc.
Shopping - French Market, Jackson Brewery, Canal Place Shopping Centre, the Riverwalk and the New Orleans Centre.
Many tours are available to those not attending paper sessions. For example, tours of the historic French Quarter, plantation homes, origins of jazz and local swamps feature knowledgeable guides at nominal costs. For additional information contact Robert C. Cashner, Dept. Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148; (504) 286- 6741; FAX at (504) 286-6112; rccbs@uno.edu.
Alternative Activities Workshop
Information on alternative activities, including descriptions, prices, transportation options and directions, will be presented on Friday, June 14, at 1600 in the Hotel Inter-Continental.
Public Transportation
Hop aboard the world famous St. Charles Streetcar, the red River- front Streetcar or any RTA bus for convenient access to all points of interest in New Orleans. Fares: one-day pass is $4; three-day pass is $8. Regular fare is $1 each way; $1.25 for the Riverfront Streetcar. Transfers to other lines are available for an additional ten cents.
Child Care
Child care is available at the Hotel Inter-Continental and the Le Pavillon Hotel, both day and evening. A bonded, licensed business provides child care at $9 per hour for one to two children, and $10 per hour for three to four children. Child care providers must be engaged for a minimum of four hours, plus parking fees of $7. Children will be taken to the Aquarium of the Americas, Riverwalk, the hotel pool, or will be directed in other activities as per parents' instruction. Contact the hotel concierge for details.
Museum Collections
The ichthyological and herpetological collections in the Tulane University Museum of Natural History will be open for extended hours during the meeting (weekend included). The museum is located just downriver from the meeting site on the west bank of the Mississippi River (15 minutes by car). A map will be available at registration and on request. Depending on interest, a shuttle service between the meeting site and museum may be established. To visit the ichthyology collection contact Hank Bart or Mike Taylor (hank@plato.museum.tulane.edu) or (mike@plato.museum.tulane.edu); (504) 394-1711. To visit the herpetology collection contact Harold Dundee (dundee@plato.museum.tulane.edu); (504) 391-1338.
The Northeast Louisiana University Museum of Zoology collection (Monroe, LA) encompasses more than 71,744 cataloged lots and 1.6 million specimens. Representation is greatest for freshwater fishes from the central and the southeastern U.S., but holdings include freshwater and marine specimens from Bangladesh, Caribbean Sea, Europe, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, Korea, Mexico, South America and Viet Nam. To visit the museum contact Neil H. Douglas; (318) 342-1790; FAX: (318) 342-1755.
The Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA), is open to the public 0800-1600 Monday through Friday and 0930-1300 of Saturday. The Section of Herpetology (60,000 specimens) is worldwide in scope, with 60% of the recognized snake genera. The Section of Ichthyology includes about 260,000 catalogued specimens. Holdings are mainly from the northern Gulf of Mexico; other significant holdings are from the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, Central and South America and the western Pacific Ocean. To visit the herpetology collection contact David Good (504) 388-3080; nagood@lsuvm.sncc.lsu.edu. To visits the ichthyoogy collection contact Mike Fitzsimons (504) 388-3079; jfitzs@lsuvm.sncc.lsu.edu.
The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Museum (Ocean Springs, MS) and the University of Southern Mississippi, Museum of Ichthyology (Hattiesburg, MS) will be available to participants of the ASIH meeting. The GCRL Museum houses an extensive collection of Central and South American estuarine and inshore marine fishes and fishes from the Gulf of Mexico, the Indo-Pacific, Papua New Guinea and Southern Mississippi. The USM Museum contains a comprehensive collection from the coastal and freshwaters of Mississippi. To examine ichthyological specimens at the GCRL Museum contact Stuart G. Poss or Meg O'Connell (601) 872-4238. To examine ichthyological specimens at the USM Museum contact Steve T. Ross (601) 266-4928. Arrangements should be made in advance, if possible.
In Case of Emergency
Hotel guests can receive messages via the hotel switchboard. Urgent messages for conference participants should be directed to (504) 858- 3495 during conference hours. These will be relayed to conference organizers and participants as soon as possible.
Mentor Program
The ASIH/AES Women's Committee is initiating a mentoring program for the 1996 meetings. The program is specifically for students new to the society(ies), or those attending alone, to meet established researchers in their field. Students interested in participating and senior members willing to serve as mentors are encouraged to contact Dominique Didier, Assistant Curator-Ichthyology, the Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103; (215) 299-1152; FAX (215) 299-1028);(didier@say.acnatsci.org). A meeting time and place for mentors and students will be announced in the Meeting Program.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Registrants who send a written cancellation notice by April 30, 1996, will receive a refund minus a $25 administrative fee. No refunds will be granted after April 30, 1996. Cancellation notices should be sent to the Annual Meetings of ASIH, AES and HL, UNO Conference Services, Metropolitan College, ED 122, New Orleans, LA 70148.
SUBMITTING ABSTRACTS
Abstracts will be stored in a bibliographic database (Papyrus V7.0) and the program produced automatically, therefore, we prefer abstracts be submitted as ASCII text files. They can be submitted by e-mail(preferably) or on disk via regular post. If on disk, a MAC or DOS diskette can be used; be sure to indicate the format on the disk label. Mail diskettes by March 15, 1996, to:
Julian Humphries
Cornell Vertebrate Collections
83 Brown Road, Building 3
Ithaca, NY 14850
If submitting by e-mail, do not include extra information such as a signature block or instructions to the organizers. The submitted abstract (using the template described below) alone should constitute the text of the message. E-mail abstracts to: asih96@cornell.edu by April 1, 1996. Please submit abstract information early; we can only accept 650 oral presentations. Direct queries about abstract submission to jmh3@conell.edu.
The following are conventions for indicating non-standard ASCII characters:
Diacritical Marks
Use carats (<>) around single characters that need accents or other diacritical marks (e.g, Panam<a>). All single characters surrounded by carats will be translated as Spanish, French or German, etc., according to context. Send separate e-mail instructions to jmh3@conell.edu for other special characters.
Italics
Use braces ({}) to surround, and a lower case "i" to precede words or phrases to be italicized (e.g., "{iTriphoturus mexicanus}"). All scientific names must be spelled out in full at least once.
Superscripts and Subscripts
As done for italics, use braces ({}) in conjunction with "+" and "-" respectively to indicate superscripts and subscripts (e.g., "X{+2}" for X2, and "H{-2}O" for H2O).
Bold
Place words or phrases to appear in blod type in braces and precede with a lower case "b" (e.g., "{bLizard}").
Create or download (instructions follow) a standard template and complete as described below. The abstract file should contain 10 tagged information blocks. The information blocks should have no empty lines between them and should be tagged using the tags designated below. Tag words should all be in caps and followed by a colon and at least one space or a new line. The tags must follow each other in the same order as they are listed below, with all tags included even if there is no information included. Use upper and lower case letters for the text of your entries as standard grammar would dictate.
You can retrieve a blank template via the World Wide Web at the ASIH 1996 meetings World Wide Web page (http://muse.bio.cornell.edu/ misc/asih.html) or the Gopher server at muse.bio.cornell.edu in the ASIH96 directory.
This year we are processing submissions by an automated procedure. The standards and rules we have devised will allow us to most efficiently, correctly and completely create the program and schedules, and inform presenters when they are presenting their talks. We appreciate your efforts to help this process go as smoothly as possible by careful attention to detail.
Abstract Information Blocks
PRESENTER:
Enter name of the person making the presentation. Enter last name first,
comma and space, first and middle name or initials.
ADDRESS:
Enter address information of presenter. Put semicolons at the end of each
line in the mailing address.
INFORMATION:
Enter telephone and fax numbers (presenter only).
E-MAIL:
Enter e-mail address of presenter, if any.
PAPER TYPE: (Enter information for each appropriate category)
Enter Oral or Poster presentation
Enter Contributed or Invited Symposium (please indicate which symposium)
Enter AES, ASIH, NIA, AFS-ELHS, or HL session presentation
Enter Student Award category (choose only one)
Oral Presentations
AES-Samuel Gruber Award
ASIH-Stoye Award (choose one category)
General Ichthyology
General Herpetology
Genetics, Development and Morphology
Ecology and Ethology
Physiology and Physiological Ecology
HL Award for Graduate Research
NIA Award
ELHS-Sally L. Richardson Award
Poster Presentations:
ASIH-Storer Award (choose one category)
Ichthyology
Herpetology
Enter special equipment required for presentation in this field also. A standard carousel slide projector will be available in all meeting rooms. Please indicate if other equipment (e.g., overhead projector, VCR) will be needed.
AUTHORS:
List the authors of the paper using both upper and lower case letters
as appropriate. Enter each name as last name first, a comma and space,
and first and middle names or initials. Separate each author by a comma.
Names may appear on one or separate lines.
AFFILIATIONS:
List institutions and shortest acceptable address for each author or
combination of authors. Precede the addresses with the initials of the
author or authors affiliated with that address in parentheses. If more than
one address, separate by a semicolon.
TITLE:
Enter title of abstract in lower case letters except for first letter
of title and proper names.
ABSTRACT:
The text of the abstract should be entered here, not to exceed 200
words. Authors are responsible for spelling and grammar.
KEYWORDS:
List keywords to be used in the keyword index. Please enter any and
all terms you would like your abstract indexed under in the keywords
block. Separate distinct keywords by commas. All text entered here will
be read as plain capitalized text. Therefore, there is no need or reason to
specify italics, bold, super/subscripts, or capitals.
**************************************************************************** * Sample ASCII/TEXT (Mac or DOS diskette) or E-mail * * Abstract Submission File * ****************************************************************************
PRESENTER:
Galentino, Guillermo
ADDRESS:
Section of Extinct Fishes;
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County;
900 Exposition Blvd.;
Los Angeles, CA 90007 USA
INFORMATION:
Phone: 213 744-3374, FAX: 213 748-4432
e-mail: galentin@usc.edu
PAPER TYPE:
oral presentation
contributed
ASIH presentation
overhead projector
AUTHORS:
Vier, Hans,
Masa, C. D.,
Galentino, Guillermo,
Finini, Roy,
Seigelini, J.
AFFILIATIONS:
(HV, GG) Department of Biology, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90090
USA;(GG, RF, JS) LACM, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
90007, USA;(CDM) Department of Biology, UCLA, CA, 90024-1606, USA
TITLE:
Distribution of Bill's fishes from Bah<i>a Santa Monica
ABSTRACT:
Twelve species of Bill's fishes, including {iBussingis} spp., were
collected at nine stations along three transects in Bah<i>a Santa
M<o>nica, California, using a 25 ft. 'masa' seine. Jeff's water
samples were taken using "chemically precise laboratory
techniques" and correlated with 92 contrived data matrices
according to Roy's kids. There is a significant correlation
between the distribution of Bill's fishes of Bah<i>a Santa
M<o>nica and Bob's truck (P>0.001). The relationship between
Bill's fishes and the truck is described as follows:
{iX}{+2}+{iXY}{+2}=45 where {iX} is Bill's fishes and {iY} is the
truck. Such an equation has only been calculated once before for
{iTrichiurus} in Pha<n>anga Bay.
KEYWORDS:
Bahia Santa Monica, Bill's fishes, Bussingis spp., Trichiurus, masa
*************************************************************************
Mail one form per delegate to: ASIH, AES and HL Annual Meetings, University of New Orleans Conference Services, ED122, New Orleans, LA 70148 or FAX (credit card payments only) to (504) 286-7317. For further information, call (504) 286-6680. TDD - (504) 286-6680. Deadline for pre-registration (lower price) is April 1, 1996.
Name (to appear on badge) ______________________________________
Institutional affiliation ______________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
City ______________ State ____ Postal Code/Zip Country ___________
Day phone _____________ FAX _____________ E-mail______________
Name of accompanying person (to appear on badge) ____________________________
Membership: (Circle one) ASIH AES HL
Primary Interest: (Circle one)
Ichthyology Herpetology Both Elasmobranchs
Registration: (Circle rate desired)
Payment by 3/31/96 Payment after 3/31/96
Regular $110 $140 $________
Student $50 $70 $________
Accompanying person $50 $60 $________
Check as Desired:
_____ Child Badge (includes General Reception and Picnic)
_____ @ $30 = $________
_____ Picnic at House of Blues on June 16 (_____ Vegetarian Option)
_____ @ $30 = $________
_____ AES Banquet on June 17 (_____Vegetarian Option)
_____ @ $27 = $________
_____ ASIH/HL/AFS-ELHS/NIA Banquet on June 18 (_____ Vegetarian Option)
_____ @ $35 = $________
_____ Group photographs (circle desired photo(s) ASIH AES HL)
_____ @ $8 = $________
_____ Extra Copies of Program and Abstracts _____ @ $10 = $________
_____ T-shirts - Adult
___XXL ___ XL ___L ___ M ___S _____ @ $15 = $________
_____ T-shirts - Children
___10-12 ___6-8 ___2-4 _____ @ $10 = $________
_____ LUMCON Marine Trawling _____ @ $15 = $________
_____ Jean Lafitte National Historical Park _____ @ $25 = $________
_____ Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station _____ @ $25 = $________
_____ Gulf Coast Research Laboratory _____ @ $15 = $________
_____ I will attend the ASIH/AES Women's Committee Luncheon (June 14)
_____ I will attend the Herpetology Reception at Audubon Zoo (June 17)
Total $________
Method of payment: (Payment in full must accompany this registration
form)
_____ Check enclosed (payable to University of New Orleans)
_____ Credit Card: _____ Visa _____ MCard _____ AmEx
Credit card number ___________________ Expiration date__________
Name of cardholder (please print)________________________________
Billing address of credit card holder: _____________________________
Signature of credit card holder _________________________________
Please specify special needs (sign interpreter, braille program, large
print, mobility/accessibility, dietary) Requests must be received by May
15, 1996.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
HOTEL RESERVATION FORM
ASIH Conference, June 13-19, 1996, New Orleans, LA
Name ________________________________________________________
Company/Institution _________________________________________
Street address ______________________________________________
City _______________________State ____ Zip ________Country ___________
Day phone _____________ FAX _____________ E-mail ______________
Arrival date __________ Departure date _______________
Time _______________ Time ______________________
Bed request: (Circle One) king bed 2 double beds
Special requests (suites available on request): ___________________________
I will be sharing a room with ___________________________________
Method of guarantee: (Circle One)
MC VISA AMEX DSCV DINERS CB CHECK/M.O.
Credit card number ________________ ______ Expiration date ________
Name of cardholder (please print) _______________________________
Billing address of credit card holder: _____________________________
Signature of credit card holder _________________________________
**************************************************************************
* All reservations must be guaranteed by credit card *
* or first night's deposit. Reservations must be confirmed *
* by May 13, 1996, with the hotel of your choice. *
**************************************************************************
Return form to either:
Hotel Inter-Continental
Call 1-800-445-6563 or complete the form and Fax to (504) 585-4387 or
mail to:
Hotel Inter-Continental
444 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA
70130-3171
Rates:
$ 90 single/double occupancy
$ 95 triple occupancy
$100 quad
or
Le Pavillon Hotel
Call 1-800-535-9095 or complete the form and Fax to (504) 522-5543 or
mail to:
Le Pavillon Hotel
833 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70140
Rates:
$95 single occupancy
$100 double occupancy
Government rates also available with proper I.D. -
travel orders are required.
__________________________________________________________________________