China wraps up fishery resource survey in Indian Ocean with abundant marine data and samples

Two Chinese-built research vessels completed an exhaustive survey of fishery resources in the Indian Ocean, filling a crucial void in China's understanding of offshore fishery resources.

The research vessels, the Lanhai (Blue Ocean) 101 and Lanhai 201, have returned to their home ports in Qingdao and Shanghai respectively, after completing a 110-day voyage covering approximately 20,000 nautical miles and encompassing 103 sampling stations in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean.

A remarkable 112 species of fishery organisms, ranging from tuna to marlin, were cataloged and collected during this expansive survey.

The research team obtained valuable data on upper-layer fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans in the survey area. Additionally, data and samples were collected on plankton, fish eggs and larvae, as well as the water environment.

The vessels obtained a large number of marine biological specimens, which will provide valuable resources for Chinese scientists in ocean biology sample research and development.

One of the highlights is that a large specimen of the Indian Ocean sunfish weighing up to 500 kilograms was captured.

Jin Yue, chief scientist on Lanhai 101 said "the collection of these species will provide vital support for the preservation of genetic resources and the cultivation of new varieties in the future."

Zhao Xianyong, a researcher at the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, noted the expedition not only filled the void in China's understanding of offshore fishery resources, but is of great importance for the sustainable development of offshore fisheries and the protection of marine biological resources.

Some key samples will be transferred to the National Fishery Biological Germplasm Resource Bank for standardized long-term preservation, for use in scientific research and the development of new aquaculture species.

The vessels are currently the largest and most advanced ocean fishery research vessels in China, with a length of 84.5 meters, a width of 15 meters, and a range of 10,000 nautical miles, capable of traveling around the globe except the ice area.

"The vessel has strong wind and wave resistance, with a self-sustaining capacity of 60 days and can accommodate 60 people for scientific research," said Jin. "It is equipped with mid-upper trawl nets, as well as longline and squid fishing operations for surveys."