NURP supported scientists highlight work at ICRS
This story entered on 11th Aug, 2008 07:53:09 AM PST

During the week of July 7 - 11, NURP sponsored scientists contributed significantly to the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS), a meeting of over 2,500 attendees from the U.S. and international marine science, management and conservationist communities. The scientific theme for the Symposium was “Reefs for the Future.” NURP funded research provided over 33 oral presentations including Mark Albins and Mark Hixon's recent work on the invasion of lionfish on Caribbean coral reefs.

Background
The 5-day program consisted of 12 concurrent sessions separated into 26 mini-symposia. Over 2,500 abstracts representing 114 countries were included in this year’s symposium. Of these, over 867 were oral presentations covering topics such as ocean acidification, climate change, coral ecosystem adaptation, ecological processes, sanctuary management, reef resilience, ecosystem monitoring, biogeochemical cycles, and reef connectivity.

The ICRS is held every four years and serves as the world’s major coral reef science meeting and is sanctioned by the International Society of Reef Studies organization. ICRS provides an opportunity for scientists to transfer scientific findings to government agencies, resource managers, and non-government organizations throughout the world. The 11th ICRS represents the first time that this meeting has been held in the continental U.S. in over 30 years. Previous ICRS have been held in Okinawa (2004), Bali (2000), Panama (1996), Guam (1992), Australia (1988), Tahiti (1985), the Philippines (1980), Miami (1977), Australia (1974), and the 1st ICRS in India (1969).

More information: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717164319.htm

Contact information
Name: John D Tomczuk
Tel: (301) 734-1009
John.Tomczuk@noaa.gov