Coastal populations of shellfish have been exploited by humans for millennia as an easily accessible source of fresh protein. Unfortunately, because the intertidal zone and the shallow coastal margins are so intertwined with man's activities, these shellfish stocks are now severely threatened around the world. Issues such as anthropogenic pollution, harmful algal blooms, overfishing, loss of habitat, and local stakeholder conflicts are all contributing to an alarming decline in the natural productivity of these regions.

There have now been five International Conferences on...