11th International Coral Reef Symposium “Reefs for the Future” – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA July 7-11, 2008 Abstract deadline: December 1, 2007

Every four years, many coral-reef biologists, geologists, oceanographers, social scientists, resource managers, educators, and conservationists working on coral reefs worldwide meet together at the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) to share the latest knowledge and advance the understanding of these ecosystems on a global scale. The 11th International Coral Reef Symposium, hosted by the United States and Florida, will be held July 7-11, 2008 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Participation by more than 2,500 attendees from the scientific, marine management, and conservation communities is anticipated.

The scientific theme of the Symposium will be “Reefs for the Future.” Degradation of coral reefs due to factors such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change threaten the destruction of these ecosystems and their biodiversity on an unprecedented, global scale. Scientists, policymakers, conservationists, local users, and managers are exercising leadership in developing knowledge and implementing science-based strategies to address the crisis. 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 reefs will help illustrate specific reef types, environmental problems, and management successes. The results of the 11th ICRS will be made accessible in a variety of web-based, CD, and traditional formats.

The abstract deadline for the meeting is December 1, 2007 and the early registration deadline is April 30, 2008. For more information, visit the website of the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium.