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WILMINGTON – More than 700 marine scientists from around the world gathered in the Port City Thursday to work together on addressing coastal issues.

During the 39th annual Benthic Ecology Meeting, hosted by UNC Wilmington, scientists shared research with one another.

UNCW Associate Professor of Marine Biology Tom Lankford said discussions from the conference could ultimately be used to improve erosion along North Carolina's coast.

"It is projected that sea level rise will accelerate and that the intensity and frequency of storms will increase, so erosion rates are likely to increase and the need for nourishment is likely to increase as well," Lankford said.

Marine scientists at the conference, like UNCW Associate Professor of Marine Biology Ami Wilbur, also discussed ways to restore the oyster population in the state's waterways, which help filter waterways and provide habitats for organisms.

Wilbur wants to learn about ways they can be better taken care of.

"So that we are moving forward solving the problems that we're having with this one very important member of our coastal ecosystems," Wilbur said.

The conference runs through March 13. UNCW also hosted the conference in 2000. The meeting will be in Mobile, Ala., next year.