More than 500 scientists from around the world will visit A Coruña to participate in the conference which focuses on sustainability in the changing ocean. The scientific programme reflects ICES strategy, which is committed to building a foundation of science around one key objective: integrated ecosystem understanding.
17 theme sessions cover a wide range of topics from Arctic biodiversity under climate change and other stressors to the application of science for ecosystem-based management of aquaculture, and practical advice for implementing marine policy: combining ecosystem and societal indicators in stock and ecosystem assessments.
The ASC coincides with centenary celebrations of the IEO. Founded by the first Spanish ICES delegate, Professor Odón de Buen, the institute was created with the purpose of "studying the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the seas around our territory and their applications to the problems of fisheries". Today, improving our understanding of the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems is perhaps even more pressing than it was one hundred years ago. The ASC in A Coruña provides the ICES network a stage to share this knowledge with a wider audience.
The conference will kick off Monday, 15 September with an open lecture by Luis Valdés, Head of Ocean Sciences at IOC-UNESCO, on prospects and opportunities in a changing marine science and policy landscape. Valdés will focus on the increasing need for more engagement between scientists and stakeholders to empower science to respond more effectively to societal needs.
Journalists are invited to a press event which will be held on
Monday 15 September at 10:00 at Sala VIP Bitácora, Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de A Coruña (PALEXCO), Muelle de Transatlánticos s/n, A Coruña.
