INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MARINE ISSUES

KUANTAN (Malaysia), Nov 24 (Bernama) -- An international conference to
address marine issues in the South China Sea will be held here from Tuesday to
Saturday.

The conference entitled "The South China Sea: Sustaining Ocean
Productivity, Maritime Communities and Climate", is jointly organised by the
Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES) of Universiti Malaya, National
Oceanography Directorate of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and
Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences.

In a statement issued here, the organiser said the main objectives of the
five-day conference were to enhance scientific understanding of the South China
Sea marine environment and provide a platform for sustainable management of the
area, which is also a main trade route.

Scientific papers to be presented at the conference will touch on marine
biodiversity, geology, environment, security and community development in the
South China Sea.

More than 180 participants from 17 countries are expected at the conference
that is scheduled to be opened by east coast state of Pahang Chief Minister
Adnan Yaakob.
-- BERNAMA