Second GCC Marine Biotechnology conference: emerging opportunities and future perspectives

The Second GCC Marine Biotechnology Conference was held at Sultan Qaboos University from the 31 October to 1 November 2017. The conference was organized by the Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology, SQU and focused on four major themes: (1) genetics and biodiversity, (2) marine biofouling and its prevention, (3) marine natural products, and (4) aquaculture and fisheries. In total, 160 delegates from 23 countries were registered for this conference and 106 delegates attended the conference. In addition to a plenary lecture and three keynote addresses, 39 oral and 30 poster presentations were made. The final session reviewed national and regional issues and identified some of the main challenges in marine biotechnology in the region.