Themes

This topic covers research focused on marine habitats and species and interactions between marine organisms and their environment, including in particular their relationship to the unusual abiotic and biotic factors of the Red Sea. Studies investigating the link between ecosystem biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function are especially welcome, as are those looking at patterns in marine species diversity and the occurrence of endemic species and new records.

This topic covers all aspects of the baseline information and the management approaches required to secure the sustainable management and protection of Red Sea marine ecosystems and habitats. Contributions concerning the application of integrated coastal zone management strategies to coastal and marine environments are especially welcome, as are studies that consider such issues as alternative livelihoods and urbanization remedies. Accounts of the issues involved in establishing and managing marine protected areas and networks are also to be desired.   

This topic covers all aspects of the problem of harmful contaminants that are discharged from land into coastal ecosystems. Also included is marine pollution arising from oceanic sources such as ballast water and oil rigs. Direct physical damage caused by tourism and recreation, or infilling or dredging may also be important.

This topic will incorporate all studies of the chemical composition and properties of Red Sea waters, including turbidity, sediment loads, pH levels, atmospheric constituents and metamorphic processes. Biochemical studies of marine organisms will also be welcome, including of processes influenced by biochemical characteristics, such as antifouling.

5. Marine Biotechnology & Applications

A wide range of topics may be incorporated under this heading including marine biomedicine, new pharmaceutical discoveries, bioremediation, molecular genetics, genomics and bioinformatics.

6. Marine Geology & Non-living Resources

Studies of all aspects of marine geology may be included, but new evidence for deep water bathymetry, sea floor spreading and tectonic movement within the Red Sea rift valley system are especially welcome. Fossil based studies of species evolution and changes in species composition over geological time and new data on the original and formation of the Red Seas impressive coral reefs will also be of interest.

7. Marine Living Resources & Fisheries

Knowledge of marine fish and fisheries remains critical especially given the increasingly urgent need to manage all marine living resources sustainably. Both biological and human dimensions require elucidation, with studies of socio-economic as significant as data on fish stock dynamics and behaviour. Accounts of innovative methods for gathering and applying biological, economic, and social data in the circumstances of the Red Sea would also be welcome.

8. Oceanography & Ocean Dynamics

A more comprehensive and systematic account is required of spatial and temporal variation in the patterns of water bodies and currents characteristic of the different parts of the Red Sea. A better understanding is also required of the influence these have both on physical and chemical properties and on pelagic and benthic processes and ecology.