Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation

Given the current problems in marine ecosystems and China’s needs for Eco-civilization, we carry out research on marine ecosystem monitoring, protection, and restoration, integrating multiple disciplines such as marine biology, marine chemistry, isotope oceanography, marine ecology, and environmental sciences. We aim to enhance the understanding, protection, and management of the biodiversity and typical ecosystems in oceans, polar seas, and offshore regions.

Area 6 Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Marine Species

Based on morpho-geography, molecular classification, and phylogeny, we carry out taxonomic research on marine species to improve the classification systems and phylogenetic theories of marine species. We also develop new methods and techniques to monitor, identify, and analyze marine organisms. In addition, we study the diversity and geographical distribution of marine organisms in oceans, polar seas, and offshore regions, exploring the historical changes and trends of marine biodiversity.

Area 7 Marine Chemistry and Environmental Monitoring

We create and improve the methods for the detection and analysis of marine chemical elements such as persistent organic pollutants, micro-plastics, trace metals, and trace nutrient salts, developing technologies for the continuous online and rapid on-site monitoring on marine environmental elements. We also study the migration and transformation patterns of biogenic elements, trace metals, and typical marine pollutants in marine environments. In addition, we explore the toxic effects of typical and emerging marine pollutants on molecules, cells, individuals, species, communities, and ecosystems, as well as their toxic mechanisms, so that we can assess ecological and environmental risks.

Area 8 Radioactivity Monitoring and Risk Assessment in Marine Areas

We develop highly efficient and advanced technologies, methods, and devices for radioactivity monitoring in marine areas. We aspire to improve the techniques and methods for radioactivity risk assessment and establish technical regulations for nuclear safety monitoring and assessment in the marine areas. By monitoring and assessing the radioactive environments in offshore, ocean, and polar areas, we aim to build a nuclide fingerprint database and identify the distribution and changes of radioactivity in the world’s major marine areas, extending the application of radioisotope tracing in oceanographic research.

Area 9 Typical Marine Ecosystems and Their Protection and Restoration

We study the diversity distribution, formation, and maintenance of typical ecosystems to reveal the circulation, migration, and transformation patterns of materials and energy in marine ecosystems, aiming to develop applicable methods to evaluate marine ecosystems and establish an evaluation system with well-defined indicators. We also carry out research on the occurrence mechanisms of ecological disasters such as red tides and invasion of alien species, so that we can develop early warning and precaution technologies. In addition, we explore the mechanisms and methods to protect rare marine species, and develop preservation and restoration technologies for typical ecosystems such as mangrove forests, promoting the demonstrative such technologies in marine ecosystem protection.

Area 10 Integrated Marine Management and Technical Support for Sustainable Development

We carry out theoretical research on the integrated management of marine and coastal areas, as well as global ocean governance and the Blue Economy. We also study the laws, regulations, policies, and standards for the ecosystem-based development and utilization of marine resources. In addition, we develop technologies to evaluate the influences of such development activities on marine ecosystems and the environment, as well as technologies for the spatial planning of sea areas, islands, and coastal areas.