As Taiwan is surrounded by ocean, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) strongly supports marine research and actively promotes marine science and technology diplomacy. In line with this mission, The Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI) of NARLabs was commissioned to support the Northwest Pacific Ocean Observational Network Project. As part of the Project, TORI arranged for the R/V LEGEND to visit the Port of Malakal, Palau on July 21 to allow the public to get a closer look at the vessel and learn about its capabilities and achievements in deep-sea exploration. In addition, NSTC Minister Tsung-Tsong Wu led a delegation to board the vessel, marking the first time that a Taiwanese research vessel has been used for science diplomacy in Palau. The R/V LEGEND visit represents a major step in moving Taiwan's marine scientific research towards the global oceans.
The R/V LEGEND is currently Taiwan's largest oceanographic research vessel by tonnage. The vessel is equipped with sonar systems, hydrographic data logging instruments, and oceanographic sampling equipment, as well as advanced navigational capabilities and precision marine exploration technologies. For the Northwest Pacific Ocean Observational Network Project, the R/V LEGEND's navigational crew and survey team worked together to assist researchers from Taiwan and Palau representing multiples institutions and disciplines in completing three oceanographic survey voyages. To gain a better understanding of the hydrology and carbon cycle of Taiwan's surrounding ocean and international waters, on-site remote sensing of surface waves and seabed topography by satellite, mesoscale ocean vortex research, and hydrological measurements for the study of blue carbon were conducted on the voyages.
July's event was led off by NSTC's Minister Wu, Ms. Jessica Chienyi Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Palau, and Mr. Steven Victor, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment of the Republic of Palau, who introduced to the Palauan public Taiwan's achievements in deep-sea exploration, marine biodiversity, and sustainable development. Afterwards, Minister Wu, Ambassador Lee, Minister Victor, Palau's Paramount High Chief Reklai, and other guests were guided by TORI Director General Chau-Chang Wang to visit the vessel's bridge and main laboratory, as well as view an Remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) which was developed in Taiwan. Ambassador Lee thanked all partners for their commitment to scientific research and promotional activities and recognized the achievements of Taiwan's scientific research with the R/V LEGEND.
During the event, researchers from TORI also led teachers and students from Palau High School and the public to see how work and daily life on the Legend is conducted. Guests gained access to the bridge, which features windows offering a 360-degree view and fore and aft control zones; the instrument room, which displays 24-hour all-weather measurement data; the main deck, which is equipped with immense, bright blue crane arms and an A-frame; and the cabin, which contains all of life's necessities. Guests were also able to enjoy images taken during deep-sea exploration and learn about the research behind them.
The R/V LEGEND tour in Palau successfully initiated marine science dialog between Taiwan and Palau. NSTC hopes to promote continuous collaboration between Taiwan and Palau in marine science research to impROVe understanding of marine ecosystems and propose better ways to conserve and sustainably utilize the diversity of marine organisms. The event also demonstrated the important role played by the R/V LEGEND in Taiwan's international cooperation in marine science, and it is hoped that more ocean researchers will participate in the future. TORI will continue to work side by side with local and international research teams to explore the mysteries of the ocean and make positive contributions to the utilization and development of marine resources with the environment in mind.
