FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leading Experts on Coral Reefs from
the University of Miami To Participate in
the International Coral Reef Symposium, July 7 — 11

Photo by: Jiangang Luo

Miami, FL (July 2, 2008) — The ‘Olympics’ of coral reef science are set to begin on Monday, July 7 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Held once every four years, the ICRS brings more than 2,500 international scientists, policy makers, managers, and conservationists together to present the latest findings on coral reef science and management. Scientists from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) have participated in the planning of this global event, and will be providing several lectures and presenting posters throughout the event, which will take place at the Broward County Convention Center, July 7 -11.

The University of Miami has a rich tradition in coral science, dating back to the founder and first dean of RSMAS, Dr. F.G.Walton Smith, who published a first-ever guide to Atlantic corals in 1948.  The University of Miami served as the host site for the 3^rd ICRS in 1977, the last time the event was held in the continental United States.

Since then, the university’s program has flourished and expanded to address emerging issues in coral science. Established in 1999, the National Center for Coral Reef Research (NCORE) at the University of Miami is a leading provider of scientific research to better understand, conserve and manage coral reefs worldwide. NCORE is comprised of more than 50 faculty members, research staff and graduate students working in five interdisciplinary coral research themes:

• Climate change and paleoclimate reconstruction
• Connectivity and hydrodynamics
• Management science and socioeconomics
• Resilience, ecology and fisheries
• Modeling and computational science

In addition to fostering interdisciplinary research, NCORE seeks to encourage greater communication between scientists, resource managers, and the general public. As part of this ongoing effort, dozens of faculty members, researchers and students will be presenting at the ICRS. For a complete schedule of speakers, please visit www.nova.edu/ncri/11icrs/scientificprogram.html.

About the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School
Founded in the 1940's, the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life.  For more information, please visit www.rsmas.miami.edu

The year 2008 has been designated the International Year of the Reef by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). The Rosenstiel School supports this worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs, as well as the threats to their sustainability. The campaign will consist of activities designed to educate and motivate people to protect our reefs throughout the year and beyond. For more information, please visit www.iyor.org

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