Abstract

This conference is characterized by its breadth of topics, study organisms and spatial scales of ecological processes. Sessions are linked by the application of molecular approaches to understand marine ecological processes, such as symbiosis, competition, larval dispersal, responses to environmental change, and nutrient cycling. Rapid technological developments are taking place in several areas relevant to marine molecular ecology, including -omics tools, bioinformatics and advanced microscopy, providing new opportunities for understanding life in the sea. Many marine organisms could not be studied in much detail prior to these recent technological developments. At this conference, the latest findings in nine specialist areas within the field of marine molecular ecology will be presented, with ample opportunity for discussion with leaders in the field.