Tulane University, the University of New Orleans and local committee members from Loyola University of New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana University invite you to the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (JMIH) to be held at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel at 500 Canal Street, July 12-17, 2006. The JMIH includes the 22nd annual meeting of the American Elasmobranch Society, the 86th annual meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, the 64th annual meeting of the Herpetologists’ League and the 49th annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles.

Since the hurricane, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and the chosen reception and picnic venues have maintained their commitment to providing JMIH with the highest quality meeting experience. The French Quarter, the Central Business District, the Warehouse and Arts District, and other key tourism areas are experiencing lively activity as residents and business owners return to welcome visitors. The city and the venues will be ready and are happy to have us. In recognition of the recovery progress and as a show of support for the rebuilding process, JMIH will hold the 2006 meetings in New Orleans as scheduled.

Don’t miss this opportunity! The Local Host Committee remains enthusiastically committed to the conference, and we look forward to seeing you in New Orleans, which will always be the birthplace of jazz, the home of unique French and Spanish architecture, and a destination for world-renowned cuisine.

The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is located across Canal Street from the French Quarter, a few blocks from the River Walk and the Aquarium of the Americas and near the Art District and the Children’s Museum. Streetcars run 24/7 and pass regularly in front of the hotel, providing inexpensive, convenient access to St. Charles Avenue, the Garden District, the Cemeteries (a must only in New Orleans), Audubon Park, Audubon Zoological Gardens and many colorful watering holes and restaurants along the way. Another route leads along Canal Street to City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). There are two museums new to the city since the 1996 meetings: the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the award winning National D-Day Museum. Both are within walking distance from the hotel.

Although the French Quarter may be best known for its adult recreational opportunities, in the past decade this enchanting neighborhood has become a favored destination for those seeking entertainment for the entire family. Tours of the Vieux Carré (meaning “Old Square”), the nation’s second oldest historical preservation district, concentrate on the area’s unique architecture, history, art, jazz, voodoo, haunted houses and more. The Quarter is bound on one side by Woldenberg Park and the adjacent River Walk recreational area, both of which offer an incredible view of the mighty Mississippi River and a sense of the cultural and ethnic diversity of New Orleans history. Jackson Square is a centerpiece of the French Quarter and home to local artists, talented street performers, historic buildings, shops, and unusual treasuries including the Old U.S. Mint and the famed Wax Museum. Numerous bistros and cafés offer delicious versions of New Orleans cuisine.

This is how the Zagat Survey (2004) described the culinary scene in New Orleans: “The Big Easy is one of the most food- and entertainment-centric cities in the U.S. Fortunately, it is also one of the country’s most affordable. In fact, the average price here is well below the national mean.” There are numerous restaurants, cafés, grills and bistros listed in the Zagat that are within walking distance from the Sheraton Hotel. These cover the entire range from inexpensive to very expensive. However, even some of the most expensive places have summer luncheon specials under $10. Many establishments offer substantial good quality meals for $6-7, including all the major fast-food chains.

If you thrive on heat and humidity, you might want to take a tour of some of the surrounding wetland areas that amazingly still support a high diversity of animals and plants. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve offers a high and dry walking tour of swamp and bayou environments, as well as up close observations of its denizens. Plantation tours can be arranged easily from the hotel and trips can be planned to the Chalmette Battlefield where the “Battle of New Orleans” was fought during the War of 1812.

We expect a large turnout of members and their families for the Joint Meetings in 2006. We anticipate that the quality of scientific interactions and presentations will be as high as the level of social interactions and experiences in “America’s Most Unusual City”. Again, on behalf of our hosting universities and the local committee, welcome to New Orleans. Laissez les bons temps rouler.

Hank Bart, Bob Cashner, and Brian Crother

Local Co-Hosts

Hank Bart, Tulane University

Bob Cashner, University of New Orleans

Brian Crother, Southeastern Louisiana University

The co-hosts would like to acknowledge the following people and administrative units for their assistance in hosting the 2006 JMIH.

Southeastern Louisiana University: Mary White, Kyle Pillar, David Sever, Cliff Fontenot, Office of the Provost, College of Science and Technology, Dept. of Biological Sciences.

Tulane University: David Heins, Nelson Rios, Mollie Cashner, Steph Woltmann, Mike Doosey, Rebecca Blanton, John Johansen.

University of New Orleans: Jim Grady, Karen Grady, Joe King, Marty and Meg O'Connell, Liz Sigler, John Caruso, Office of the Provost, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, College of Sciences.

Loyola University: Bob Thomas, Frank Jordan.

Audubon Institute: Betsy Dresser, Audubon Center for Research on Endangered Species.

Freeport McMoran: Jim Miller, David Norriss.