Chair’s Welcome

In September 2008, the prestigious Oceans conference and exhibition comes to Quebec City, Canada. Oceans ’08 will coincide with the 400th anniversary of Quebec, a jewel of the World Heritage famous for its gastronomy and joie de vivre. Oceans ’08 will also happen at the pinnacle of the 4th International Polar Year (2007-2009) that focuses on the rapidly changing Polar Oceans. Thus the stars are aligning for a landmark edition of Oceans, the world’s leading conference and exhibition in ocean science, engineering, technology and management. At a time when the Northern Hemisphere is poised to shift to a new climate, our theme ‘Oceans, Poles and Climate: Technological Challenges’ will enable scientists and engineers from all over the world to discuss and debate the technological challenges raised by the study of the on-going transformation of Polar and non-polar oceans.

From the decline of the Arctic sea-ice cover to the acidification of the surface ocean, from the exploration of new resources to the preservation of ocean biodiversity, a series of plenary, keynote and technical papers will focus on the technological challenges of exploring and preserving our changing oceans.

Quebec City, the most European of North American cities, is the historic gateway linking the North Atlantic to the Great Lakes and the interior of the continent. From the early 20th century expeditions of Captain Joseph Elzéar Bernier to the present-day scientific missions of the research icebreaker Amundsen, Quebec City boasts a long tradition of Polar exploration that makes her the obvious venue for the 2008 edition of Oceans. A truly maritime cachet, a vibrant culture, the golden light of September, and the exciting nightlife of French Québec will seduce you and your guests.

On behalf of the dedicated Oceans Committee, we invite you to a memorable meeting that will change your view of ocean sciences, in a venue that will change your view of life. Bienvenue à Québec!