Since the inaugural International Marine Biotechnology Conference in Tokyo in 1989, the IMBC has been held in the United States (1991), Norway (1994), Italy (1997), Australia (2000), Japan (2003) and Canada (2005). Eilat, Israel will be the site of the 8th IMBC from 11 to 16 March, 2007. IMBC meetings are organized by the International Marine Biotechnology Association (IMBA).