the 9th International Symposium on Deep-Sea Corals (9th ISDSC) will take place from November 2nd to 5th, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. This will be the first time the ISDSC is hosted in the Mediterranean Sea.
This edition of the Symposium will build on the previous experiences and at the same time aims to generate new spaces and avenues to strengthen the links among scientific disciplines, arts and citizens.
Cold-Water Corals are fairly unknown for most people and at the same time widespread in our seas and oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea, and being relevant for the functioning of the marine ecosystems. They are also magnificent and beautiful as terrestrial forests are. Therefore, they are objects of study for science, but also a source of inspiration for artists. Nature is part of us and we are part of nature, therefore the fact of preserving these ecosystems and contemplating the life they harbour is also part of our well-being, just as when we contemplate mountains, forests and beaches.
Unfortunately, the fate of our planet, due to our insatiable need of resources, is not looking great and Cold-Water Corals, as all other living creatures, are suffering the reduction of their habitats. However, most people are not aware of this. Cold-Water Corals are somehow invisible for us, as they inhabit the depths of the oceans.
The 9th ISDSC would like to conjure the scientific know-how, the beauty of nature and the power of art to visualize these hidden ecosystems and engage scientists, artists and citizens to achieve a common goal: make Cold-Water Corals present in the imagination of people and gain awareness of the importance of preserving the ecosystems they build.