We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participants for attending the HKUST International Conference on Contrasting Marine Ecosystems held at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, HKSAR, China. Special gratitude to all invited French and Chinese Scholars for their generous time and efforts prior to and during the conference. The Conference is supported by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong, Research Grants Council of the University Grants Committee (UGC), the Croucher Foundation, K. C. Wong Education Foundation, National Natural Science Foundation of China, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Marine Environment Research and Innovative Technology (MERIT) Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.