There has recently been a renewed interest in the linkage between the dynamic nature of habitat structure and the patterns and functioning of aquatic assemblages. This theme has a close bearing not only on basic ecological issues but on applied aspects of importance such as species conservation and biodiversity maintenance. There are both direct and indirect ways in which physical structures of habitat could exert influences upon the diversity and abundance of marine and freshwater organisms. The occurrence of aquatic organisms and their assemblages are often dependent on the multi-faceted characteristics of aquatic habitats in question. In this meeting, we ask researchers working on different aquatic systems to bring to our attention the potentially important ecological linkages that may exist between marine/freshwater assemblages and their habitat structure.

Delegates from Korea, China, Taiwan and other countries are particularly welcome to attend and participate in our discussion.

Student commentators: K Ishii (Kyoto University), F Kato (Kyushu University)