Biodiversity in changing coastal waters oftropical and subtropical Asia
Delegates from Japan and other countries are cordially invited to participate inthis special symposium on the biodiversity of coastal waters in tropical/subtropicalAsia, focusing in particular on western Pacific and adjacent waters. This is amajor conference on this theme held for the first time in a picturesque fishing
town of Reihoku on the Amakusa-Shimoshima island, the seat of the Amakusa
Marine Biological Laboratory of the Kyushu University. Located in western
Kyushu at the entrance of Ariake Sea, the largest estuarine water in Japan,
Reihoku boasts its varied subtropical coastal environments with sand spits,
beaches, stony and rocky shores, including some subtidal platforms dotted withcoral assemblages. The coasts around the Amakusa Shimoshima island havebeen a major centre of research activity in shallow-water marine ecology and thisarea is among the best known taxonomically in East Asia. With the ongoing
trend of global warming, the environmental changes appear to manifest in a
subtle but appreciable manner in the shore assemblages of this island, making
Reihoku an ideal venue for this symposium.
The symposium is designed to look into the state of biodiversity-related researchthat has been conducted in subtropical and tropical waters of Asia by offering acongenial meeting point for researchers who have been or are involved in
ecological and taxonomic works in this region. Different types of assemblages/
taxonomic groups will be covered, including fishes and invertebrates in estuaries
and coral reef systems in particular. We intend to designate a maximum numberof active researchers as symposium speakers, such that issues of importanceare identified and exchange of ideas is facilitated through diverse fields. Asession is also planned for non-designated, mainly early-career, speakers andposter presentations. Based on the symposium works, a special volume of
Hydrobiologia (2010, IF=1.96) is planned for publication, with the baseline qualityof contributions being controlled by the editorship of Prof M. Tokeshi.
A major feature of this symposium is the “field workshops” which are planned toinclude, among various possibilities, sandy/muddy estuaries of Hondo/Yokaku
Bay, rocky shores, dredge sampling in the Tomioka Bay and the reef
assemblages of Ushibuka (conditions permitting, water temp<20 °C), with the aimof forging new networks of researchers combining taxonomy and ecology. With
the superb quality of sea food that Reihoku can offer in late autumn, delegateswill have nothing to lose and much to gain by spending time and money to attend
this special symposium – all are welcome.

Biodiversity in changing coastal waters oftropical and subtropical Asia
Symposium schedule *Delegates, including invited speakers, are expected from Japan, Taiwan, Korea,
Philippines, Vietnam/Thailand, Malaysia/Singapore, Indonesia, Australia/Hawaii, andbeyond.
30 November 2012 - - - - Delegates arrive. Registration.
1 December - - - - - - - - Symposium sessions (oral/poster)2 December - - - - - - - - Symposium sessions (oral/poster)
3 December - - - - - - - - Field workshop/poster/S-9-5 sessions
4 December - - - - - - - - Field workshop/poster/S-9-5 sessions
Oral presentations (15min): a 250-word (max) abstract to be submitted by 27 October toarakaki(at mark)ambl-ku.jpPosters : A1 size, portrait. All materials to be prepared in English.
Where an excess number of oral/poster presentations occurs, a shift to the other format
may be requested. Delegates are recommended to make an early registration.
There will be a "best-oral" competition for student presenters.
The symposium itself will be held in a modern, architecturally-attractive and wellequipped conference hall of the Reihoku Town.

Accommodation information
There are four categories of accommodation, which offer a considerable value for money
for the symposium participants. Delegates are reminded to apply early, as these will beoffered on a 1st come-1st served basis. If one category of accommodation is exhausted,
the next most economical option will be arranged.
-----------------------------------------------------------All inclusive of breakfast, per night per person; prices are approximate:
1. Hotel (single rooms) --- 6000 yen.
:::::::::::::: (There is a limited number of double occupancy, on request)
2. Reihoku-town hostel (single rooms) --- 3500 yen.
:::::::::::::: (Very good value of business-type rooms without hotel-like entertainment
facilities, specially arranged in collaboration with Reihoku Town. Recommended.)

Biodiversity in changing coastal waters oftropical and subtropical Asia
Accommodation information - continued
3. Japanese-style inn (single occupancy) --- 4500-5000 yen.
:::::::::::::: (it is possible to request up to 4-person occupancy)
4. AMBL dormitory (shared, sexes separate, students only, limited availability)::::::::::::::: This is an exceptional value for money for economically-tight students, offered
only as an inclusive package of 5nights/6days with breakfast, at 8000 yen.
[Students who are not funded by research grants will have priorities.]

Lunch & Dinner options:

Lunch : It is strongly recommended that delegates pre-order lunch during the symposium,
as this is quite convenient and competitively priced (600 yen).
-----------------------------------------------------------Symposium dinner (2 December) is a not-to-be-missed event, as we have a full supportof Reihoku Town. --- 5000 yen.
Apart from the symposium dinner, we have arranged dinners on other nights as well,because eating opportunities are otherwise restricted. Our dinner options are goodvalues for money and the quality is guaranteed with fresh local (marine) products.
Expected cost c.1500 yen each without drink. Highly recommended; you will not regret
these.
30 November :::::: Welcome Dinner
1 December :::::::: AMBL Dinner
2 December :::::::: Symposium Dinner
3 December :::::::: Working Dinner
4 December ::::::::: Farewel Dinner

Travelling tips
• Amakusa Airline : from Fukuoka Airport to Amakusa Airport (Hondo) (35min) or fromKumamoto Airport to Amakusa Airport (20min); an early discount is offered by the airline.
• Express bus service from Fukuoka to Hondo is time-consuming (c. 5hrs) but mosteconomical (¥3500 one-way).
• From Kumamoto airport, express bus service takes c. 3hrs to reach Hondo at c.¥2600.
•Fast boat (not car-ferry) connects Mogi (Nagasaki) and Tomioka (Reihoku) in 50min.
• Rent-a-car will give you the maximum mobility for accessing different sites around theisland, including local spas (hot spring baths).

Reihoku Conference Hall

Reihoku Town Spa has a commanding view of Tomioka Bay,
while no effort is spared in the preparation of Reihoku cuisine.

Waters around Reihoku are teemed with organisms. Swimwith Spratelloides gracilis ! (photos by M Tokeshi, Dec 2011).

Conference secretariat :Prof M Tokeshi/ Dr S Arakaki
Amakusa Marine Biological Laboratory (AMBL), Kyushu University
Reihoku-Amakusa, Kumamoto 863-2507, Japan
phone + 81 969 350003 fax: +81 969 352413
Email enquiries to tokeshi / arakaki, both at (@ambl-ku.jp).