1995-96

The year's activities have centred on bringing the machinery for communication up to date. We have been successful in receiving nominations for and confirming 28 National Correspondents. Although this still leaves several countries without a national correspondent, the Executive considers that representation is now sufficiently wide for activities to recommence; a letter has been sent to all national correspondents to initiate action.

Responses already received confirm that support for the marine component of the DIVERSITAS Programme should continue to have top scientific priority. The time scale is in the hands of the international and national organisers of the Programme, but I am confident that IABO is ready to provide an effective channel for communication as and when required. Further details are expected to emerge at the end of the meeting at Middelburg, organized by the Estuarine & Coastal Sciences Association and the Estuarine Research Foundation, which will be attended by the President, Past-President, Secretary and several members of IABO.

When sufficient responses have been received, they will be analysed with a view to determining other scientific activities that IABO would support, as well as identifying meetings that it would be appropriate for IABO to sponsor (non-financially!). It is also intended to widen the membership, and to seek funds to enable the organization to stay alive and alert (cf. SCOR).