5TH ANNUAL GULF OF MAINE COASTAL CONFERENCE
Confronting Climate Change, Rising Seas and Coastal Erosion
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center · Saco, Maine
A full day of coastal science, policy, resilience, networking, poster presentations and live field stations on the beach.
REGISTER
https://fifthshorelineconference.eventbrite.com
OFFICIAL EVENT INFORMATION
Ferry Beach Conference Center provides venue details, overnight lodging, poster submission information and sponsorship opportunities.
https://www.ferrybeach.org/sos-saco-bay-conference.html
DAY AT A GLANCE
8:00–10:00 · Registration, keynote, SOS update and networking
10:00–2:00 · Parallel science, restoration, policy and resilience sessions
11:00–12:50 · Staggered lunch and poster sessions
2:10–2:50 · OUR SHORE and organization updates
3:00–4:00 · Beach field stations at Ferry Beach and Camp Ellis
4:00–5:00 · Closing reception and poster session
SPEAKERS & ORGANIZATIONS
Keynote: Jessica Brunacini · Wells Reserve at Laudholm
Featured session: Nathan Robbins · Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Participating organizations include UNE, UNH, GMRI, GPCOG, AmeriCorps, Manomet, UMass Amherst, Marine Mammals of Maine, VHB, The Nature Conservancy, Wells Reserve, SMPDC, City of South Portland, Town of Camden and Connecticut Sea Grant.
2026 SPONSORS
Platinum: University of New England — Girard Marine Science Center; Wilkinson Ecological Design; Wells Reserve at Laudholm; SumCo Eco-Contracting
Gold: Industrial Fabrics, Inc.; Kennebunk Savings; NERACOOS
Silver: The Nature Conservancy in Maine
Confronting Climate Change, Rising Seas and Coastal Erosion
Practical solutions for a changing coast
Join scientists, municipal leaders, conservation organizations, engineers and community members for a full day focused on coastal resilience across Maine and the Gulf of Maine.
Conference agenda
The program combines keynote talks, two tracks of expert sessions, a shoreline update, beach field stations and time to connect with regional partners.
Day at a glance
- 8:00 AMRegistration, exhibits & breakfast
- 8:45 AMKeynote: coastal resilience in Maine
- 10:00 AMWildlife, restoration & nature-based solutions
- 12:00 PMResearch, policy & community resilience
- 2:10 PMOur Shore update
- 3:00 PMBeach field stations
- 4:00 PMClosing reception
See the full agenda image for session titles, speakers, locations and lunch-group timing.
Speakers & participating organizations
Sessions bring together experience from science, government, conservation, engineering and Maine’s coastal communities.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors
Our sponsors make this regional gathering possible.
Hosted with Ferry Beach
Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center remains the official source for conference logistics, program updates and venue information.