Second International Joint Conference, Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association and Estuarine Research Federation. Transport, retention, transformation processes and their biological control in estuarine and coastal systems: An introduction

The joint Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association - Estuarine Research Federation symposium was held to explore ways in which an interdisciplinary approach to the processes governing the fate of matter in these ecosystems could enhance our understanding of their behaviour. Four specific problems were addressed: the role of estuarine and coastal systems in the production and mineralization of organic matter; the role of biological processes in flocculation and benthic-pelugic coupling and the behaviour of sediments; the nature of the models required to provide a reasonable representation of transformation, transport and retention processes; and the influence of physical changes resulting from activities such as dredging, damming or canal construction. Details of the organization and collaborating bodies lending support to the symposium are indicated.