The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)
is now accepting applications for the NIMBioS sponsored Investigative Workshop:
Modeling
Reef Ecosystems, to be held July 21-23, 2010, at NIMBioS.
Topic: Modeling sustainability of coral reef ecosystem services under multiple
interacting stressors
Organizers: Susan Harrell Yee (U.S. EPA, Gulf Ecology Division) and Jerald S.
Ault (University of
Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science)
Location: NIMBioS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Objectives: Coral reef ecosystems are highly valued, but threatened by regional
human population growth and serial over-exploitation. Human activities in
watershed and coastal zones must be dramatically altered to eliminate
threats, but scientific and management efforts are often narrowly
defined, making it challenging to predict the potential repercussions
of decisions within a complex ecosystem under threat from multiple
interacting stressors. This workshop will evaluate the potential for
development of a comprehensive coral reef systems model that links
multiple interacting environmental stressors (e.g., water quality
(nutrients, contaminants, sedimentation), exploitation, episodic events
(i.e., hurricanes), climate changes (water temperature and ocean
acidification), and vessel groundings) to the state and dynamics of
reef ecosystems (i.e., reef-building corals, reef fish, sponges, algae,
invertebrates, sea grasses, mangroves) stretching from coastal bays to
coral reefs.
For more information about the workshop and a link to the online application
form,
go to http://www.nimbios.org/workshops/WS_coralreef.html
Application deadline: May 3, 2010.
NIMBioS Investigative Workshops <http://www.nimbios.org/workshops/>
involve 30-40 participants, focus on a broad topic or a set of related
topics, attempt to summarize/synthesize the state of the art and
identify future directions, and have potential for leading to one or
more future Working Groups <http://www.nimbios.org/workinggroups/>.
Participation is open (but numbers are limited), so individuals with a
strong interest in the topic are encouraged to apply. Post-docs and
graduate students are eligible to apply. If needed, NIMBioS can provide
support (travel, meals, lodging) for Workshop attendees.
For more information, e-mail [email protected]
