Preface

Abstract

Like most conferences in COVID-19-affected 2020, the Second Maluku International Conference on Marine Science and Technology made the most of digital technology and was delivered entirely online. The Conference was hosted in Pattimura University, Ambon on 31 October 2020. The Keynote presentation and talks by all invited speakers were delivered from across the globe, requiring some contributors to address delegates at times during which they would normally be asleep! The Keynote address by Prof. Dr. Bambang Permadi Soemantri Brodjonegoro (minister of research and technology), delivered from Jakarta, outlined the challenges for Indonesia’s many small islands and highlighted the importance of research to support sustainable economic growth and also the need to embrace the concepts of circular economy to address issues related to marine pollution and especially plastics. Invited speakers delivered their talks from Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Russia, New Caledonia, Sweden and Germany covering topics ranging from (Fisheries, Marine tourism, Threats to ecosystems, Maritime health, Marine biodiversity and bioprospecting, and Marine technology)The speakers in plenary session presented their presentation for 15 minutes with 5 minutes question and answer session. Following the plenary sessions, and with a strong focus on eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi to Maluku), contributors to the parallel sessions presented summaries of research on topics including sustainable tourism, science to support fisheries and aquaculture, the ecology of a range of marine habitats and biotic groups, and data requirements to support development and application of policy. Presenters in parallel session were given 10 minutes talk with 5 minutes Q&A session. Many presenters delivered summaries of very recent work (e.g. the effects of the COVID-19-related downturn in dive tourism on shark behaviour) demonstrating the strength, relevance and diversity of research in the region.List of International Editorial Board, Local Editor, Organizing Committee and all the title are available in this pdf.