Every four years the International Coral Reef Symposium convenes as a major scientific conference of the International Society for Reef Studies to provide the latest knowledge about coral reefs worldwide. The theme for the 11th ICRS is REEFS FOR THE FUTURE. Goals are:
• provide a scientific basis for coral reef ecosystem management
• improve the understanding of reef condition, function, and productivity; and
• grow coral reef science, conservation, and research by facilitating exchange of ideas.

The 11th International Coral Reef Symposium will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA, July 7-11, 2008. Over 2,000 attendees are expected from the international marine science, management, and conservationist communities, making this the largest ICRS ever. Twenty-five Mini-Symposia will provide a wide diversity of coral reef science and management participation opportunities. The South Florida venue has convenient access to visit and study reef systems in the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Meso-America.

Symposium Co-Hosts include the State of Florida and the US Coral Reef Task Force (chaired by NOAA & DOI). The meeting is organized by a Local Organizing Committee. The 11th ICRS is a keystone event within the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008.

Online Symposium and field trip registration, abstract submission, and hotel reservations are now open. Please visit www.nova.edu/ncri/11icrs/ for information and registration.