Brussels, 10/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - Marine sciences will be the subject of a European conference, bringing together 500 top scientists and political decision-makers from 10-13 May in Galway, Ireland. Over 130 European research projects, on subjects such as biodiversity, ecosystems, genomics and marine exploration will be presented at the conference. In total, over 300 research projects on the marine environment, fishing, conservation of stocks, maritime security, sea resources, coastal management, which have received Community funding over the past two decades. This conference, which is called EUROCEAN, will also help to define paths for future research, and strategies for improved protection of the marine environment.
EUROCEAN 2004 will feature four themed sessions: -the role of research on ecosystems and biodiversity in the conservation of natural reserves and marine resources; -planning and implementing research to support maritime security; -the 6th Community framework programme for research, the European research area and the European marine research area; -coastal ecosystems; -ocean exploration and deep-water resources; -the contribution of younger generations to the future of the European marine research area.
The first EUROCEAN conference took place in Brussels in 1994. It was followed up by others: Sorrento (Italy) in 1996, Lisbon (Portugal) in 1998, and Hamburg (Germany) in 2000.
Additional information can be found at http://www.eurocean2004.com.