5th International Scientific Symposium

IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)

Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society

Seoul, korea, 27–31 August 2001

Acknowledging the kind support from the Republic of Korea, Prof. Keisuke Taira introduced Dr. Hyung Tack Huh, Chairperson of the Scientific Steering Committee of the Symposium. Dr. Huh briefed the Sub-Commission on the Fifth IOC/WESTPAC Scientific Symposium that was successfully organized in Seoul, Republic of Korea,27-31 August 2001 at Hoam Faculty House, Seoul National University. More than 240 scientists attended the Symposium from 18 countries from both inside and outside the WESTPAC region. Eightyscientific papers were presented in both plenary and parallel sessions. Several workshops and side meetings were convened during the workshop. The proceedings have been published on CD-ROM. An extended book of abstracts with summaries of the various side meetings and workshops will be published as an IOC Workshop Report.

A discussion ensued on the format, regional representation and themes of these Symposia. The Executive Secretary expressed his appreciation of the Scientific Symposia carried out under the WESTPAC Sub-Commission and considered their prime functions as a leverage mechanism for upgrading the common understanding on the projects and programmes carried out in the region. Another participant however commented that the time available to really discuss the programmes is limited, and suggested to allocate more time for such discussions in future symposia.

Following the report, the Chairperson invited the meeting to set up a small ad hoc sessional working group for the discussion of the theme, financial support, date and place of next symposium. Prof. Zhouwen Yu of the People’s Republic of China volunteered to chair the working group and was requested to report the outcome of their deliberations to the Sub-Commission under Agenda item 9.2.

IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)