GENERAL INFORMATION - CONTINUATION

The federal state of Bremen with its twin cities Bremen and Bremerhaven occupies a distinguished position in marine research and technology in Germany and in Europe. In addition to marine orientated research institutions, many recognised companies active in the field of marine technology, are located here on the river Weser. Today, Bremen and Bremerhaven employ over 35000 people in the maritime sector.

In charge of the conference is the MARUM, Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences, in coordination with others. The MARUM is a marine research institute belonging to the University of Bremen. It is funded as an excellence cluster by the excellence initiative of the German Research Foundation. Several scientific institutions are contributing to the Local Organisation Committee of the OCEANS '09.

Support also comes from the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, and the University of Applied Sciences in Bremerhaven. Besides being a good conference venue, Bremen is also worth a visit due to its historic sites. First mentioned in the year 965 Bremen developed rapidly and became an important trading centre for the medieval Hanse organisation. These historic roots are still visible in the city centre where the conference dinner will take place in the 600 year old town hall, listed as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage.