Mundus maris

This is a whistle stop tour around the oceans. We used to think they were huge and inexhaustible. Huge they are, covering more than 2/3 of the surface of our 'blue planet'. But inexhaustible?

• Look at the highlights in this section to realise that this is not so.

• Luckily, there are still beautiful stretches of oceans left. But see how 'shifting baseline' (particularly in our own perceptions) is playing tricks on how we get used to destruction faster than it's happening.

• Explore what you can do to help stop the plunder and destruction.

• Team up with others near and far – together we can achieve more, have fun and learn something as well.

Each category gives you a few highlights so that you get a sense why leaning back and relaxing might not be a good idea. You will discover additional background materials by clicking on the links as we add information. Our sections publications,  links and reviews provide you with additional resources to dig deeper into the issues and explore what the big picture is, but also what it may mean in your local context.

The sections exhibitions and projects show what we have already done or are doing at the moment.

The section 'What to do' proposes things you can do, including links to support-worthy campaigns, petitions and activities, and of course, participate in specific Mundus maris activities. Individually, we will not be able to ensure sustainable behaviour, but collectively, we can do much, not the least by participating in ordinary political processes to ensure good rules and their effective enforcement. It's not too late and many others are already active to save our seas and restore them to a healthy state. Add your voice and action.

You have found a lot of indications on what goes wrong with the seas on our planet and why you need to be concerned, even if you do not live directly by the seashore.

We do not, however, want you to feel helpless and disenfranchised.

Something can be done, a lot is being done already and you can add your voice and action to the chorus so as to improve the results. This section is currently under construction, so check regularly for updates.

Here are a few ideas:

Mundus maris addresses critical issues about reconnecting to the ocean and to each other, about healing the damage done and about blending different ways of making sense of the world and the ocean through the sciences and arts.

Let's dare to innovate! Let us together create new opportunities for enjoying the beauty of the ocean, its creatures and the maritime cultures and to protect them from the many threats affecting their health. Let's seize the opportunities together!

"We are called to be the architects of the future, not its victims."

R. Buckminster Fuller

The ocean provides seafood in amazing variety and quantity. The average per capita consumption is estimated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) at approximately 16 kg per year. This may well be an underestimation as significant quantities of seafood produced by artisanal fisheries for commerce and self-consumption never makes it into the official statistics, not to mention the serious problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fisheries.

The seafood we eat and how we eat it is influenced by culinary traditions and by the culture we live in or are exposed to. Some cultures have richer traditions and more recipes than others, but global trade and travel ensure that ideas and recipes travel as well. The recent fashion of Japanese suchi is a case in point.

This section explores different aspects of seafood, food security, health and sustainability issues and how to navigate the sometimes bewildering diversity.

This section shows projects carried out or supported by Mundus maris. In general and if not specifically mentioned, all project activities are open to the participation of organisations, groups and individuals who are interested in advancing the pursued objectives. Here we share works in progress.

Financial support is also most welcome, particularly to develop collaboration with scientists, artists and youth groups in developing countries, including the improvement of their working conditions. Have a look as well into the section 'What to do?'. You'll get some more ideas, where you can bring to bear your personal strengths and motivation.

Please send your donation to Mundus maris to our account at Belfius Bank, Brussels, Belgium:

This section presents exhibitions supported by the Initiative. Each exhibition presentation is intended as a stand-alone piece with explanations woven into the text. Several have three parts: preparations, the exhibition proper and follow-up. Each part gets elaborated as work progresses.

Donations are welcome to contribute expanding cooperation particularly with scientists, artists and youth groups in developing countries and to help improve their working conditions.

Special account Mundus maris - IBAN: BE54 0688 9178 6297 - BIC/SWIFT: GKCCBEBB.

Our relationship with the sea takes on countless forms. To some it speaks through scientific study, to others through art work, many enjoy surfing, bathing and angling. For entire communities it means their livelihoods. It connects distant lands and people. Even those not living next to the sea are often fascinated with the folklore and myths lingering in many cultures. Here we share encounters with different people explaining their personal or professional relationship to the sea.

Come on board for a ride, enjoy the caleidoscope of stories and comments. Contribute your own by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This section contains reviews of books, films, exhibitions and other sources of scientific, educational and/or arts information. Particular attention is paid to links between different forms of scientific information and knowledge and the arts as well as local knowledge as appropriate.

This section is the "house" of the youth groups and schools that collaborate with Mundus maris. Each group has their "room" in the house that reflects its uniqueness and special activities. The house will also have some common facilities for groups, especially when they participate in joint activities.

The "house" is currently primarily a construction site and shows projects and exhibitions that have been organised previously by Mundus maris as basic activities. Another part of the basic equipment of information and background materials can be found in the sections on Publications and Links. More basic information is in the sections "Plundered Oceans" and "What to do?".

For schools or youth groups that participate in the Netwerk and therefore want to strengthen their own activities, there is a proposal for self-presentation.

Your financial support of the youth network and its activities working towards sustainable seas and the protection of cultural diversity is urgently needed and highly desirable. Special account Mundus maris:

Contains references and links to publications of relevance to the Initiative.