The National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) signed a memorandum of cooperation with Fisheries Research Institute, COA (FRI) today (7th). The signing of this memorandum of cooperation is intended for both sides to cooperate in academic research, share teaching and resources such as books, research ships, equipment etc., and academic research cooperation results, as well as promoting joint research plans and convening academic seminars.
　　The NAMR was established in April 2019. It is situated in Kaohsiung, the maritime capital in the southern part of Taiwan. Located on the eastern side of Kaohsiung Port, it neighbors Asia’s New Bay Area. There are five research centers. The business undertakings include comprehensive planning and manpower training, marine policy and cultural research, marine science and information research, marine ecology and conservation research, marine industry and engineering research, etc. According to Director-General Chiu Yung-Fang: “The main task of the NAMR as the national marine think tank is to assist the Ocean Affairs Council in conducting ocean policy planning, marine resource investigation, marine science research, marine industry, and manpower training development undertakings.”
　　The FRI is situated in Keelung, a city of rain in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It is known for its natural harbor of deep valleys. Due to its rainy climate, it is also known as the port of rain. Keelung and Kaohsiung City in Southern Taiwan are listed as two major port cities in Taiwan. The FRI was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan in 1999. It has four divisions: Planning and Information Division, Marine Fisheries Division, Aquaculture Division, and Seafood Technology Division. There are also six centers: Freshwater Aquaculture Research Center, Mariculture Research Center, Coastal and Offshore Resources Research Center, Tungkang Biotechnology Research Center,  Eastern Marine Biology Research Center, and Penghu Marine Biology Research Center. It also boasts three sampling boats, including: Fishery
Researcher I, Fishery Researcher II, and Hai An. The FRI shoulders the goals and tasks of ensuring the sustainable utilization of fishery resources, the establishment of excellent fish and shellfish culture technology, and the diverse and value-added applications of innovative aquatic products and fishery information. It is the only fishery experimental research and technology promotion agency under the jurisdiction of the government.
　　In the future, the NAMR and FRI will work together in marine research-related fields, engage in marine environmental monitoring, marine resource and ecological restoration research, enrich marine biological resources, and ensure the sustainable utilization of marine resources. Additionally, genetic resource collection and preservation technology research will be conducted targeting important marine biodiversity, thereby increasing resources along the coastal waters. In addition, through remote sensing and AI technology applications, smart sensing systems have been jointly developed to monitor the marine environment and promote the diverse and value-added applications of innovative maritime information. The NAMR and FRI are committed to promoting marine science, resource investigation, ecological conservation, industrial and education, and manpower training, developing marine science research, sustainable marine ecological resources, and promoting the ocean into the important niche of national development. In addition, a macroscopic and forward-looking marine scientific research environment is jointly created to build a future of continuity.