Entitled:

'What is Being Done in the Caribbean? Who, How and Why, Should We Be Partners?' for the 2008 Ocean Sciences Meeting to be held March 2-7, 2008, in Orlando, Florida. In order to have your abstract considered for acceptance, you must submit before the abstract deadline of October 2, 2007.

Session Organizers:

Warner Ithier-Guzman, University of South Florida, ithiergu@marine.usf.edu; Ashanti J. Pyrtle, University of South Florida, apyrtle@marine.usf.edu; Marietta Mayo, University of South Florida, mmayo@marine.usf.edu; Nekesha Williams, University of South Florida, nwilliams@marine.usf.edu

Session Description:

The Caribbean region comprises several unique tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems containing a variety of ecological and geological formations, a wide spectrum of endemic species, volcanoes, and one of the deepest trenches in the world. The presence of coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds and their associated communities, offer a range of recreational and educational opportunities. These ecosystems sensitive to fast changing conditions; offer economic resources that are becoming limited and the intense anthropogenic impact can accelerate environmental changes. There is a need to document and exchange information on current and past efforts to understand the environmental interactions of these important and unique ecosystems within the Caribbean region. Understanding the relationships between terrestrial, coastal and marine environments is a critical step towards efficiently and effectively managing these resources. This session is intended to bring together researchers, institutions, land and coastal managers and decision makers with diverse training conducting research in the Caribbean. The key aims of the session will be to: (1) share experience and expertise, (2) discuss and develop future plans for sustainable development in the Caribbean Region and (3) integrate science knowledge to increase our understanding on Caribbean tropical ecosystems.

For more info, please contact:

Sean Townsend
CHM National Focal Point
BCH National Focal Point
Natural History Division
The Institute of Jamaica
10-16 East Street
Kingston, Jamaica WI
Tel: (876) 922-0620-6 ext 249
Fax: (876) 922-1147
Website: http://www.jamaicachm.org.jm