Today, the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI), a legal entity affiliated to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), signed a cooperation agreement with the College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography, National Dong Hwa University (NDHU CESO). In the future, they will share research facilities and experimental analysis capacity. Through the sharing of regional united warehouses and key development techniques, they will establish an index used to evaluate the stress physiology of key species such as coral reefs and seaweed, which not only increases both sides’ participation in the national surveillance and survey of the “blue carbon” ecosystems across Taiwan, but also contributes to the establishment of baseline data and methodology.
Taiwan is surrounded by sea. “Blue carbon,” which literally refers to the carbon sink in the ocean, is currently at an experimental stage. Therefore, it is of great significance to lay the foundations for ocean sciences and their applied research. TORI is responsible for establishing key research facilities and marshaling research teams. The quality control/quality assurance of experimental data can be verified by means of the periodic cross-comparison of data and calibration of devices. Similarly, the techniques together with the application benefits of data in laboratories can be optimized through data analysis and information integration.
On the other hand, the natural environment in the eastern part of Taiwan provides NDHU CESO with an ideal location where research on marine ecology and marine geology can be well done. NDHU CESO has long been committed to conducting studies in the marine fields. In recent years, it has paid its particular attention to the issues such as global environmental change, energy consumption, environmental degradation, and the operation of humans’ social survival system. Additionally, it recognizes the complexity of the “society-ecology” relationship, of which suitable solutions to increasingly urgent environmental problems can be figured out through interdisciplinary efforts and socio-economic integration.
TORI, which is expected to be in close cooperation with NDHU CESO, will collectively take part in the national surveillance and survey of the “blue carbon” ecosystems as well as the conservation project. Moreover, it will build up methodology and draw up strategies for ecological restoration in anticipation of integrating national resources, enhancing the depth and breadth of ocean research services, functioning as strong support for ocean research, and creating a quality, sustainable room for scientific research.
