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BRISTOL, R.I. – Earlier this summer, marine scientists, students, conservation advocates, and reef keepers from across the country converged on ɫ����̳ for the first-ever , a weekend designed to turn research into action and connect scientific discovery with community-driven solutions. After a successful inaugural run, organizers announced the event will return in June 2026.

Hosted by ɫ����̳ through its own Wet Lab, part of the Center for Economic and Environmental Development(CEED), the idea for the retreat was inspired by a gap left following the dissolution of the Marine Aquarium Society of North America (MASNA) and its Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA). Led by Lena Fitzgerald, ɫ����̳ Marine Ornamental Operations Manager, RWU Marine Biology Professor Andy Rhyne, and several former MACNA organizers, the event brings reef experts and enthusiasts together in a more collaborative way. 

“ɫ����̳ is uniquely positioned to convene people from across the reef aquaculture, conservation, and trade industries. For the past 50 years, we have been advancing the field of marine science research, notably being the first to aquaculture numerous marine ornamental fish and invertebrate species for the reef hobby trade and for major public aquariums, along with our innovations in shellfish-farming aquaculture and diagnostic and research solutions that address regional challenges and opportunities for coastal ecosystems,” said Fitzgerald. “While there is a lot of great work happening within our facilities and outreach to the community, one of the main purposes of the Reef Retreat is to bring back community to the aquaculture world and allow for conversation to flow.” 

In all, the retreat brought together about 150 attendees for the conference with presentations, panel discussions, lab tours aimed at making cutting-edge science accessible while advancing shared efforts to restore and protect reef ecosystems. 

“We’re excited for next year,” said Fitzgerald. “These types of events allow for collaboration, especially since here at RWU we are doing all types of research in the labs. It gives people the opportunity to see what we're doing and get ideas to use for their projects.”

Beyond expert presentations, attendees toured the Marine and Natural Sciences Building, home to RWU and CEED’s Wet Lab Aquaculture and Aquarium Science facilities, in addition to its , Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory, and Coral Microbial Ecology Laboratory, where students led sessions on sustainable shellfish aquaculture, coral spawning techniques, and more, underscoring how student-led research is driving real-world conservation efforts.

“It’s exciting for our students to be part of something that blends local relevance with global impact,” said Koty Sharp, Associate Marine Biology professor and Director of CEED. “They’re not just learning in the classroom, they’re engaging with professionals, asking questions, and contributing to research that could help shape the future of reef restoration.”

Evening events, including a reception at the university’s , gave space for networking and more informal conversations. Throughout the weekend, marine scientists from across the globe made it clear that solving the reef crisis will require more than science, it will take community, creativity, and the ability to connect across disciplines.

“Reef Retreat is different than other conferences because you are together for 72 hours, whereas in other conferences you’re spread out,” said Fitzgerald. “You're eating breakfast together, you're going to the talks together, and so you get this unique experience where you're able to have these more intimate conversations with big names in the industry. We heard from many attendees how it allowed for greater collaboration.”

RWU has established itself as a leader in emerging marine science and the advancement of solutions, through RWU CEED and across a wide range of marine biology and sciences programs, is now looking ahead to next year’s event, which is scheduled for June 5-7, 2026.