China's cutting-edge research vessels, Lanhai 101 and Lanhai 201, just wrapped up a 110-day expedition across the Indian Ocean—unlocking secrets of marine life that could reshape sustainable fishing practices! 🚢🔬
The mission covered 20,000 nautical miles, cataloging 112 species, from shimmering tuna to a colossal 500kg Indian Ocean sunfish 🌞🐠. Scientists also gathered critical data on plankton, fish eggs, and water conditions—think of it as a "biometric scan" of the ocean's health!
🔑 Why it matters: This intel fills gaps in China's understanding of offshore fisheries, crucial for protecting marine biodiversity and supporting global food security. "These findings are a treasure trove for genetic research," said chief scientist Jin Yue. 🧬
Next stop? Samples are heading to the National Fishery Germplasm Bank, where they'll fuel R&D for climate-resilient aquaculture species. 🌱🦐
Fun fact: The vessels are as tough as they are high-tech—built to withstand storms and travel 10,000 nautical miles nonstop! 💪🌪️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com