International Coral Reef Society

The International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS) was founded in 1980, after which membership increased rapidly as interest in and concern for coral reefs has grown. It is the principal learned society to which reef scientists and managers from across the world belong. The principal objective of the Society is to promote the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge and understanding of coral reefs, both living and fossil. To achieve its objectives the Society: 1. publishes and distributes the well-regarded scientific journal Coral Reefs (click here for ISRS member access) 2. coordinates the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS), a major scientific congress held every four years, typically attended by some 2000 delegates 3. promotes or supports smaller regional conferences or inter-congresses, in years between successive ICRS 4. publishes Briefing Papers and Statements on emerging issues related to coral reefs 5. distributes twice yearly a news journal / newsletter called Reef Encounter 6. acknowledges the scholarship and work of its members with Society awards and honours.