A forum for communication, transfer of training and information, and discussion among researchers of the Iberian marine environment on the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity.

A forum for communication, transfer of training and information, and discussion among researchers of the Iberian marine environment on the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity.

The meeting, held in Alicante from 6 to 10 September 2010, served to update the taxonomic knowledge of marine organisms and their ecological relationships of the Iberian Peninsula and adjacent islands (Balearic Islands, Azores and Macaronesia), to define the main impacts and threats that occur on marine communities, as well as their effect on biodiversity, and discuss management measures conducive to promoting sustainable development in the coastal environment.

It was attended by more than 300 researchers from Spain, Portugal and South America.

The forum also aimed to promote the training of young researchers and students, by meeting with veteran researchers from various research centers. In addition, it served as a platform for the dissemination of the values of the marine environment, through the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and served to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the need for its conservation.

During its celebration, a book and a permanent website, www.siebm.org, were published. Through this online platform, the aim is to consolidate the SIEBM as a forum for debate and exchange of information on marine environmental research.