We are living in a time of unprecedented change with multiple natural and anthropogenic pressures on our oceans, from climate change to fishing, sedimentation and volcanic activity. In addition to understanding how these pressures have impacted these ecosystems in the past and predicting future impacts, we also need to consider how to integrate planning for sustainable development of a blue economy and what changes are needed to existing policy and governance landscapes. As such, the broad overall theme for the 8th International Symposium for Deep-Sea Corals will be ‘Corals in a Changing Ocean’.

The 8th International Symposium on Deep-Sea Corals (ISDSC8) will take place in the John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh between 29th May 2023 and 2nd June. The conference will be hybrid in nature to promote discussion between in person and online delegates.