The July 31st registration deadline is quickly approaching for the 3rd Biennial World Congress of Marine Stations. This year, the World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS) is heading to Canada’s stunning West Coast. Hosted by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC), the congress will take place from September 1st–4th, 2026.
WCMS 2026 promises to be an impactful, productive global gathering. Through thematic talks and sessions, our community will focus collectively on how marine stations can leverage their full potential to set the course for the future of ocean science.
📌 Congress Themes & Focus Areas
Together, we will explore how marine stations are uniquely positioned to address critical global issues across five core themes:
- Oceans and Human Health
- Ocean Innovation and Bioeconomies
- Community, Education, and Culture
- Marine Stations as Distributed Research Platforms
- Ocean Policy
⚠️ Important Deadlines & Programming Updates
- Registration Deadline: Registration is officially open but will close on July 31st, 2026. Spaces are limited, so we highly encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible.
- Call for Abstracts: Submissions for oral presentations are now closed. However, we are still actively accepting abstracts for poster presentations. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your station’s latest research and initiatives to a global audience.
✉️ Questions & Support
If you have any questions regarding travel, local logistics, or programming, please reach out directly to the WCMS 2026 Local Organising Committee by emailing events@bamfieldmsc.com.
We look forward to connecting with our global network of marine stations this fall in Bamfield!