Are we killing the world's oceans?

How will global warming affect ocean circulation and sea levels in the centuries to come? Are we destroying the world's coral reefs? Why are dead zones in the oceans on the rise? Can aquaculture be environmentally sustainable? And how are we all to blame for the collapse of coastal fisheries?

Most importantly, what can governments, industry and individuals do about it?

Members of the news media are invited to join leading international researchers and government decision-makers as they search for answers at a forum hosted by the University of Victoria on Feb. 21-22. The gathering, which is open to the public, will address scientific and policy issues of critical importance to the future of Earth's oceans.

The event is part of a series of Forums on Taboo Topics created by RSC: The Academies (formerly the Royal Society of Canada), in partnership with individual Canadian universities, where thorny issues of national concern can be critically examined and policy approaches explored.

Experts from Canada, Chile, Germany, Scotland and the US will speak on such issues as climate change, ocean acidification and coral reefs, the increase in ocean dead zones, scientific and social dynamics during fisheries crises, how we all play a role in the collapse of coastal fisheries, and environmental issues surrounding offshore petroleum resource development. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion.

Dr. Daniel Pauly, Director of the Fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia, will kick off the forum with a free public lecture on "Are We Past the Point of No Return in Mining Fish From the Sea?" on Feb. 21 Pauly is one of the world's leading fisheries conservation scientists, and a vocal and influential critic of current fishing practices.

All sessions will be open to the news media and interviews with speakers and panelists can be arranged closer to the event.

WHAT: "Are We Killing the World's Oceans?"
University of Victoria–Royal Society Forum

WHEN: February 21–22, 2007
Public lecture: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 21
Forum: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Feb. 22

WHERE:
Public lecture: University Centre Farquhar Auditorium
Forum: Engineering/Computer Science Building, room 123

For more information on the forum, including presentation details and accommodation options, visit www.uvic.ca/research/oceansforum.

Source : University of Victoria