The First World Conference on Marine Biodiversity, which took place in Valencia, Spain, from 11-15 November 2008, was organized by the Spanish Council of Scientific Research and the European Network of Excellence on Marine Biodiversity, and brought together over 500 scientists from 45 countries.

Participants announced research results on the rapid, climate change-induced northern migration of invasive marine species, noting that invasive species of marine macroalgae spread at 50 km per decade, a distance far greater than that covered by invasive terrestrial plants. Other research results reported relate to the impacts of the pressure of climate change and the abrupt deterioration of the Arctic and coral reefs. Conference topics included: the loss of marine biodiversity and its consequences; the exploitation of marine living resources; and the discoveries of novel ecosystems in extreme ecosystems, particularly in the deep sea.
Links to further information
EurkAlert, 10 November 2008
Conference Website