OPENING
The ICES Annual Science Conference was declared open on Monday 22 September. Dignitaries attending the Opening Ceremony included Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia, Mr Angus MacIsaac.
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Jake Rice (Canada) gave the opening lecture on "Size in the seas: A new perspective raises questions, but does it yield answers?" Jake gave an inspiring talk on the separate lines of research that have been pursued over the decades on the biological implications of how big an organism is. Recently, research has begun to merge these separate lines of research and to explore their implications for conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. The insights arising from their convergence and integration are just beginning to be realised. Likewise we are in only the early stages of understanding the implications of size-based processed for marine policy and management of living marine resources. |
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Facts about this year's conference:
641 registered participants at the conference from more than 30 countries.
18 theme sessions
and more than 400 papers and posters
The Evolution of the Science Structure
Mike Sinclair (Canada) made a presentation on the Science Plan and the restructuring of the Consultative Committee. The open presentation was well attended by many of the conference participants. The Consultative Committee had initiated discussions on structural issues in 2004, recognising the need to enhance flexibility and empowerment of the science programme. In June 2008 the Bureau, based on work done by CONC between 2004 and 2008, has made recommendations to meet these needs. The Council will consider these recommendations at their meeting in October 2008.
Michael M. Sinclair
First Vice President and Chair of the Bureau Working Group
on the Reform of the Science Structure
ICES Outstanding Achievement Award and ICES Prix d’ Excellence
A new feature was introduced at the opening session this year. The Chair of the Awards Committee, Ed Houde presented two prestigious awards to two outstanding scientists.
Niels Daan (NL) was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of sustained, outstanding performance, exceptional contributions, and leadership. This Award is the highest expression of recognition and appreciation for contributions to ICES.
D. Vance Holliday (US) was awarded the Prix d'Excellence in recognition of extraordinary contributions, fulfilling the ICES vision of scientific discovery, leadership, and applications that have had major influence on policy for sustained use and conservation of marine ecosystems.
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| Niels Daan (NL),The Chair of the Awards Committee, Ed Houde and D. Vance Holliday (US). |
