Marine experts from 17 states to meet in Manado

Manado, North Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Experts from 17 countries will meet here to discuss marine affairs, notably utilization of wealth found outside exclusive economic zones (EEZs), an official said.

The meeting of the International Sea Bed Authority (ISBA) will take place on March 5-8 and be opened by Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Freddy Numberi, North Sulawesi fisheries and marine resources office head Xandramaya Lalu said here Friday.

The experts will come from Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Fiji, France, Germany, Italy, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and the United States.

Noted speakers from Canada, Germany and the United States will make presentations at the meeting where the 17 countries will seek solutions to international problems stemming from marine affairs, Xandramaya said.

The upcoming ISBA meeting in Manado will be followed by a World Ocean Summit (WOS) that will take place in Manado as well in 2009.

Heads of government and ministers will attend the WOS.