The International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS) was founded in 1980 and membership has increased rapidly in recent years. The principal objective¹ of the Society is to promote the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge and understanding of coral reefs, both living and fossil.

To achieve its objectives the Society holds annual meetings and co-sponsors other gatherings, prints and distributes the journal Coral Reefs and the newsletter Reef Encounter, and raises funds and receives contributions by way of subscriptions and donations.

¹ISRS Constitution

Coral reefs throughout the world are currently facing significant pressures from global climate change and direct anthropogenic stresses (including overfishing and sedimentation). Managers (industry, government, NGOs etc) are typically making difficult decisions in relation to these issues often without adequate scientific information. Good judgement and objectivity and quality information are badly needed, and in its subject area, the ISRS is in the strongest position internationally to furnish these across the board.

The ISRS represents a unique source of substantial expertise and information about coral reefs, many facets of which relate to issues which bear on a much wider community.