Eco Koh Tao Founder and Marine Conservationist Nathan Cook is heading to Cairns this week as representative for the Save Koh Tao Group at the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) 2012. (www.icrs2012.com)

Every four years the International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS) sanctions a major international scientific conference which provides the latest knowledge and leading edge technologies about coral reefs worldwide.

In July 2012, the world's leading natural scientists, resource managers, conservationists, economists, educators and graduate students will meet together in Cairns to progress coral reef science, management and conservation.

This 5 day event will bring together 2,500 people from some 80 countries, to communicate their science and hear the latest advances from the international experts in coral reef science. Their research and findings are fundamental in informing international and national policies and protocols in the conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs.

Nathan will be giving a very brief presentation on “Effective Community Based Management of Reefs Faced with Coral Bleaching”. The paper presents a paper prepared with collaboration from Chad Scott of the Save Koh Tao Community Group, Marine Branch, Devrim Zahir of the New Heaven Dive School Reef Conservation Program, James True from the Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai and Dr Wayne Phillips from Mohidol University International College, Bangkok.

Nathan’s Presentation will be held in the Sebal Kuranda room at 10.30am on July 11 under the subject title of “Managing bleached coral reefs”