Welcome

On behalf of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, one of the major research Institutes of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, we are honoured to invite you all here to Halifax for the ICES Annual Science Conference 2008.

We, the ICES Secretariat, and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography as local hosts, shall do our very best to provide optimal conditions for an inspiring scientific event. We are confident that the World Trade and Convention Centre and Halifax itself will offer a unique location for friends and colleagues to interact.

This year’s ASC promises to provide outstanding main papers from world renowned researchers presented in 18 science theme sessions on topics which include comparative ecosystem studies, ecosystem health, climate and ocean change and signals from the ecosystem at different levels, modelling and new technologies, conservation issues and new concepts of valuing nature and ecosystem structure. The ASC will also address some of the most challenging issues of today’s science needed for a better management of our seas tomorrow.

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in the Atlantic provinces, is the major centre of the Maritimes. With its steep streets, stunning harbour, and the famous Citadel overlooking the city, Halifax is world-renowned for its beauty and character. Visitors are treated to a city with a close connection to the sea, and Halifax thrives on its maritime history having one of the world's largest natural harbours. The venue of the conference, the World Trade and Convention Centre, contains three floors of flexible and multi-purpose meeting rooms and space. It is situated within walking distance from the centre of Halifax. We, the organizers, will do our utmost to make you feel at home and to ensure that you depart with pleasant memories of an outstanding place to meet and work.

In particular, we hope that you will draw inspiration from an extraordinarily high level of marine science. We look very much forward to hearing the theme session contributions and the conclusions drawn in order to develop marine science further.

The social programme planned by the organizing committee will give you a chance to become acquainted with Halifax, Nova Scotia’s political, cultural and financial capital, home to approx. 350,000 inhabitants, with its wonderful surroundings of Nova Scotia.

We look forward to greeting you all in Halifax September 2008.

Gerd Hubold	Michael M. Sinclair	Serge Labonté
ICES General Secretary	ICES Delegate,  Canada	ICES Delegate, Canada