MIAMI — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host the 2011 National Beach Conference March 15-17, in Miami. This conference will provide a forum for discussing national beach water quality issues, exchanging information, and coordinating efforts in research and decision-making. Prior to the start of the conference, on March 14, EPA and its partners will provide training on beach monitoring, rapid methods, and predictive tools. EPA is currently seeking proposals through Jan. 14, 2011, for practical and informative presentations on topics relevant to the national beach program.

Abstracts for both oral presentations and poster presentations can be submitted online at http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/meeting2011_index.cfm.