Welcome

The ICES Annual Science Conference 2010 will focus on coastal zones, one of three major thematic axes of the ICES Strategic Plan. During the 19 theme sessions, oral presentations and posters will cover such topics as contaminants, benthic indicators, aquaculture, bioinvasions, harmful algal blooms, biodiversity, operational oceanography, integrated coastal-zone management, and marine coastal planning. Eight theme sessions will focus on fishery research to increase scientific knowledge and lead to higher levels of expertise. The Honorable Dr Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere & NOAA Administrator, will give the opening lecture titled “Managing marine biodiversity: an emerging consensus”.

On behalf of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the French Ministry of Environment (MEEDEM), the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (DPMA), local authorities, and Ifremer, we will be pleased to meet you at the conference centre in Nantes.
We are sure that the scientific sessions will prove attractive and innovative, and will provide an environment in which participants can reach a greater understanding of the complex world of marine science, which will ultimately lead to better ocean management.

A special theme session about the future organization of research surrounding the ERA-NETS (Marifish, Seas-Era) and an EU marine joint programming initiative will be of special interest.
Because 2010 is the international year of the biodiversity, a special evening session will present the results of the programme “Census of Marine Life”, and will conclude with a showing of the film “Oceans” by Jacques Perrin.

The last ASC in France was held at La Rochelle 19 years ago near Nantes. The 2010 ASC will provide a unique opportunity for French universities and French research institutes to present their research to the international scientific community.

The ASC 2010 will take place in Nantes at the estuary of Loire, adjacent to the Atlantic coast, where you will discover one of Brittany’s most beautiful historical cities. The social events will open the door to French regional cuisine and the area’s traditional music and songs.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Nantes in September 2010.