Conference sessions

Global changes in coastal systems: trends and predictions

Keynote: Hervé Le Treut

Worldwide monitoring programmes have been collecting data that should be analysed in order to put in evidence long-term trends and to explore spatial and temporal comparisons. This topic will also cover recent work on predictive tools and global change scenarios in coastal systems. Climate-induced changes, as well as other human-induced changes are welcomed in this session. Contributions covering different types of coastal systems, a wide range of geographical areas and a large diversity of methods are expected.

Functional ecology tools to assess global change impacts

Keynote: Ana Queirós

A wide diversity of functional species traits have been used in order to characterize biological communities. This session will include contributions that assessed these traits and explored its relationships with global change, highlighting the relevance of different anthropogenic impacts on the functioning of coastal communities. It would be particularly interesting that the contributions presented have analysed different biological groups in order to enhance a more integrative perspective of coastal systems, and point out some commonalities and singularities.

Integrative approaches to assess ecosystem functioning

Keynote: Jeffrey Dambacher

This topic will cover innovative and integrative approaches and methods to assess the functioning of coastal systems. Properties and processes, such as productivity, consumption, nutrient cycling, food webs, among others, have been poorly studied and hardly related with climate and other drivers of global changes. Contributions exploring these topics are expected to be presented in this session.

Adaptation, habitat restoration and management

Keynote: Kris Decleer

Knowledge on species adaptation to global changes is scarce for coastal systems, despite its importance to predict future ecosystem structure and functioning. Similarly, habitat restoration costs and benefits are poorly known for estuarine and other habitats. Management tools and plans are critical to cope with strong anthropogenic impacts that typically occur in these areas. In this session, participants are invited to address these topics contributing to point out the main guidelines of successful management schemes.

What do we expect from decision- and policy-makers for estuarine and coastal management?

Keynote: Victor de Jonge and Mike Elliott

Examples of processes involving scientific knowledge and management decision are expected. How to communicate scientific results to be better understood by stakeholders? What policy-makers need from scientist in order to be efficient? We are interested in the relations between scientist and decision makers to improve the management, conservation, restoration of estuaries and coastal areas. 

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