11th International Coral Reef Symposium

Every 4 years, many coral reef biologists, ecologists, economists, environmentalists, geologists, resource managers, and others working in coral reefs worldwide, meet together at the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) to share the latest knowledge and to advance the science on a global scale. The International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS)sanctions these meetings and selects nations to host the next conference. The InternationalCoral Reef Symposium (ICRS) is recognized as the single most important coral reef conference in the world. The U.S. Local Organizing Committee (LOC) presented a proposal in July 2004 in Okinawa at the 10th International Coral Reef Symposium to host the next Symposium. The U.S. LOC team was selected and the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium, hosted by the United States and Florida, will be held July 7-11, 2008 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The South Florida locale is an easily reached international destination. Participation of more than 2,500 attendees from the scientific, marine management, and conservation communities is anticipated.

REEFS FOR THE FUTURE is the scientific theme of the Symposium, highlighting one of the most important international treasures: coral reefs. Degradation due to factors including pollution, overfishing, and climate change, threaten destruction of these ecosystems on an unprecedented global scale. Scientists, policymakers, conservationists, and managers are exercising leadership in developing knowledge and implementing science-based strategies to address the crisis. Key concepts of coral reefs, including reef structure and function, pattern and process, ecosystem-based management, and human interactions, will be a focus of the meeting program. Plenary speakers will summarize current scientific knowledge about reefs. Mini-Symposia and field workshops will be thematic, question driven, and define specific science-based outcomes as well as management strategies. Field trips to diverse reef types will help illustrate specific reef types, environmental problems, and management successes. The results of the 11th ICRS will be timely and readily accessible in a variety of web-based, CD, and traditional formats.