On July 16, the 2026 Annual Meeting of the International Alliance of Marine-related Institutions (IAMRI) was held in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Convened by the IAMRI Secretariat, the meeting was hosted by Nha Trang University and co-organized by Ocean University of China (OUC). It brought together more than 30 delegates from 13 marine-related institutions across China, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, and other countries. Focusing on the theme “Sustainable Marine Resources and Blue Economy in a Changing Ocean,” the delegates discussed emerging issues in cooperation and development in marine fields and explored priorities and next steps for cooperation within IAMRI. Professor Liu Yong, Vice President of OUC, delivered a video address.
Vice President Liu Yong noted that IAMRI has played an important role in providing a platform for international cooperation in marine science and education and in promoting faculty and student exchanges, academic exchanges, collaborative research, and the joint development of innovative talent among its members. Since the resumption of in-person exchanges at last year’s annual meeting in Qingdao, the Alliance has seen a substantial increase in membership, and a number of collaborative projects have been implemented. He emphasized that IAMRI should fully leverage its platform and network, support its member institutions in drawing on their distinctive strengths, further deepen exchanges and cooperation, and promote collaborative innovation. Through these efforts, members can jointly address global challenges in marine-related fields and make greater contributions to advancing the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promoting ocean sustainability. OUC will continue to attach great importance to and support the development of IAMRI and ensure effective coordination and support through the IAMRI Secretariat. It will work to bring more marine science and education institutions into the Alliance, broaden exchanges and cooperation among members, strengthen collaboration with major international organizations and collaborative platforms in marine-related fields, continue to enhance IAMRI’s influence, and develop the Alliance into a role model of international cooperation in marine science and education.
During the meeting’s reporting session, Professor Lin Xiaopei, Secretary-general of IAMRI, presented the Alliance’s annual work report. Four universities—Burapha University in Thailand, Can Tho University in Vietnam, and Shanghai Ocean University and Beibu Gulf University in China—joined IAMRI as new members. Representatives of IAMRI member institutions provided overviews of their respective institutions and updates on their collaborative projects. They also exchanged views and reached consensus on topics such as jointly organizing academic conferences, promoting faculty and student exchanges, strengthening the joint cultivation of marine talent, and the 2027 IAMRI Annual Meeting.
The annual meeting also featured academic presentations by Professor Neil Loneragan, former President of the Asian Fisheries Society; Professor Pierre Failler, Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair in Ocean Governance at the University of Portsmouth; Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University; and Professor Li Jingyu of OUC’s College of Fisheries, among others. The speakers shared their research findings and practical experience on topics including sustainable marine resource management, marine and coastal ecosystem restoration, development of the marine economy, and the cultivation of marine talent.
The 8th International Symposium on Cage Aquaculture in Asia (CAA8) was held concurrently. Professor Mai Kangsen of OUC, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was invited to deliver a keynote address. The meeting also featured a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding on establishing a strategic partnership between OUC and Nha Trang University.
This year’s Annual Meeting further expanded IAMRI’s collaborative network, strengthened exchanges and cooperation among its members, and yielded fruitful outcomes. Looking ahead, IAMRI will continue to serve as a bridge and remain committed to advancing practical cooperation and coordinated development in marine science and education worldwide, thereby bringing fresh momentum to collaborative innovation in the field.
