Foreword

Abstract

The present supplemental issue contains selected papers from the presentations made during the GULF II conference “The State of the Gulf Ecosystem: Functioning and Services” held in Kuwait on February 7–9, 2011. The conference was organized by Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), and the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society (AEHMS), Canada. It was sponsored by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) and Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Kuwait. Scientists from the Gulf States and from other countries, who are closely connected with the Gulf research, presented their observations on the state of the Gulf. The program consisted of 57 oral presentations, 36 posters and several invited lectures, presented as keynote addresses.All papers submitted for publication were subjected to peer review, and those accepted are included in this special issue.We sincerely thank Dr. Naji Al-Mutairi, Director General of KISR for his support and Dr. Dhari Al-Ajmi, Chairman of the conference and Ex-Director of Environment & Urban Division (KISR), for his interest. Thanks are also due to the Director General of KFAS, Director General of EPA, Chairman of La’ala Khiran Real Estate Company, Kuwait Fund and to Oula Petroleum Company for their financial support. The contribution of UNESCO Bahrain and in-kind contribution of the Al-Anbaa newspaper is also appreciated.Finally, we would like to thank AEHMS secretariat for organizing and developing this special issue and KISR for providing funds for its publication. We hope that this supplemental issue will enhance our knowledge and understanding of the Gulf ecosystem, its functioning and management.