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Dr. Mary Ann Bimbao, Executive Director of Q-quatics opened the Mini-SymposiumLooking ahead to the forthcoming UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021 to 2030) Quantitative Aquatics wants to share research in progress with the colleagues of IRRI, from universities and research centres in the Philippines and any interested international scholars on campus. Dr. Mary Ann Bimbao, Executive Director of Q-quatics, welcomed guests and staff to this event on 31 January 2019. She recalled the origins of FishBase, SeaLifeBase and Aquamaps and pointed to the many new possibilities these global databases had opened to ask questions and retrieve answers. The breadth of presentations gave a good indication to even more opportunities on the road ahead.

Ratana ChuenpagdeeThe global research network on small-scale fisheries, Too Big To Ignore (TBTI), continues to produce and organise vast bodies of knowledge about SSF around the world. As more case studies become available and the search is on for better understanding of their commonalities and specificities, it has become clear that their study requires transdisciplinary approaches and development of new methods of research and collaboration. TBTI convenes training workshops in all continents for this approach. Aliou Sall of Mundus maris served as trainer in the Africa workshop in Cape Town.

Moderator Martina Hirschmeier and Cornelia E Nauen (r) on stage after a presentation of the fish quizLove your ocean - the ocean needs YOU! That was the message of the science camp with lots to discover thanks to an exciting programme at the shared space by more than 30 conservation-minded projects, companies and civil society organisations. The Boot fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, celebrated its 50th anniversary from 19 to 27 January 2019 with making a point for ocean protection. The management, in coordination with the German Ocean Foundation, offered this space around a big whale. Q-quatics and Mundus maris hosted the fish sound quiz of FishBase and other activities and contributed to the stage programme, spreading information and ideas for concrete marine protection and sustainable small-scale fisheries.

Prof. Jemaiel Ben Brahim, Director of AUFAll signs pointed into the direction of taking action - the Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) Guidelines were adopted in 2014 by the FAO's Committee of Fisheries and included in the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. The vast research network "Too Big To Ignore" produced books and research results identifying obstacles and opportunities for implementation and a regional consultation in July this year developed concrete recommendations on how to implement them in West Africa. Our earlier work for FAO on a teaching kit on the ecosystem approach to fisheries and later field research underscored the demand of small-scale fishers (men and women) to get better access to research results, be recognised for their empirical knowledge and to be able to participate in action research driving analyses and innovation. So, the logical next step was teaming up with like-minded organisations and together launch a small-scale fisheries academy.

Katrin Knickmeier in the plastic labThe Kiel Science Factory (Kieler Forschungs-werkstatt) of the Excellence Cluster "Future Ocean" is the Mecca of teachers and students who want to get fit primarily to understand and protect the ocean and generally live in a sustainable way. Led by the incredibly committed director, Dr. Katrin Knickmeier, the workshop team has an impressive list of offers "in stock" and is a source of countless innovative teaching and learning opportunities around marine research for all.

The highlight of the month of November was the launch of the Small-Scale Fisheries Academy in Senegal. Supported by a multi-stakeholder organising committee formed upon the suggestion of Mundus maris the inaugural session was kindly hosted by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) on the campus of Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar on 14 November 2018. Some 62 personalities from different walks of life met in intense exchange and debates for a full day. 

Oran R. YoungThe Earth System Governance Community brings together hundreds of scholars from all over the world to reflect on their vast names-giving theme from a wide variety of angles. Most studies are, indeed, at much smaller scales, including analyses of local issues. But theorising on environmental governance by Oran R. Young in his talk on a institutional diagnostic approach to earth system governance and the exploration of tipping points in the climate system by Ilona Otto and PIK co-workers were among the many thought provoking talks at larger system scales.

On October 24, 2018, the "Annual Meeting beCircular" took place in Brussels, Av. Port 86C, in the Tour et Taxis building complex. Some 400 people participated, representatives of interested organisations or individuals. Mundus maris was represented by Marianne Braun.

The Brussels Community is owner of an impressive building, modern architecture, natural and sustainable building materials, very bright, which is entirely dedicated to the eco-circular economy. There are many "start ups" who have rented space to develop a new idea.

Svein Jentoft, Aliou SallThis was biggest of a series of world congresses on small-scale fisheries with more than 350 participants from 55 countries. Ratana Chuenpagdee, Project Director of the global research network "Too Big To Ignore" and her staff and local organisers pulled off a highly inspiring and productive conference. Mundus maris made its contribution through the active participation of Aliou Sall, our Vice-President from Senegal. To the right Aliou with Svein Jentoft who was honoured for his outstanding contributions to small-scale fisheries. Congratulations Svein!

Ratana ChuenpagdeeMore than 350 participants from 55 countries made the 3rd World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the biggest of its kind. Dr. Ratana Chuenpagdee, Project Director of the global research collaboration "Too Big To Ignore" headquartered in Canada welcomed participants (click on the picture to see the video).