2009 Xiamen International Ocean Week will be held in this southeastern seaside city from Nov. 6 to 12, the organizers said Thursday.

The protection and sustainable use of islands will be the themes of the event, co-sponsored by the State Oceanic Administration, the United Nations Development Program China Country Office and the Xiamen municipal government.

The ocean week will include forums, exhibitions, and fishing contests. Representatives of more than 10 international organizations and more than 100 government officials from about 40 countries and regions will attend.

The annual event was first started in 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2009)