Title of Project: 2024 Nansha Marine Research Station-Scientific Research and Operation Plan
Duration: January to December 2024

Name of Principle Investigator:

Director Fellow Chang Chih-Wei National Academy of Marine Research Marine Ecology and Conservation Research Center
Assistant Researcher Fellow Chou Li-Chin National Academy of Marine Research Marine Ecology and Conservation Research Center

Abstract of Project:
The area surrounding Taiping Island in the Nansha Islands (Spratly) hosts a rich marine ecosystem, including coral reefs and seagrass beds. Since 2022, the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) established the Nansha Marine Research Station on the southeastern side of Taiping Island in the Nansha Islands. Establishing the Nansha Marine Research Station will enhance scientific understanding of these ecosystems and their abundant marine resources, unique ecological environments, and significant oceanic assets. However, this region's marine environment is subject to the influence of complex natural conditions and human activities, necessitating in-depth marine scientific research to ensure sustainable development. The establishment of the Nansha Marine Research Station is primarily aimed at conducting extensive and in-depth marine scientific research, covering areas such as marine ecology, geomorphology and substrates, hydrology, marine culture, and policy. The National Institute of Oceanography is committed to long-term monitoring and fundamental ecological surveys to deepen our understanding of the functioning, challenges, and sustainable utilization possibilities of Taiping Island's marine ecosystems. Beyond scientific research, the Nansha Marine Research Station will also facilitate international cooperation and exchange. It aims to collaborate with marine scientific research institutions in neighboring countries and regions to share resources and data, thereby advancing marine science. The establishment of this research station provides an essential platform for studying the Nansha region, supporting long-term investigations into marine ecology, oceanography, marine education, culture, and policy. It will also serve as a scientific and theoretical foundation for sustainable research station operations and contribute to the continued development of the Nansha.

Outcomes and Milestones: 
In the year 2024, National Academy of Marine Research institute has completed research in the field of marine ecology, accomplishing a total of six research projects.

1. Microplastic surveys of Taiping Island's beaches, conducted twice (April to June 2024, July to October 2024)：Investigations were conducted at four intertidal sites on sandy beaches, covering both dry and wet seasons. To date, over 200 beach samples have been collected, and the samples are currently undergoing processing and analysis.
2. Survey of macroalgae resources in the intertidal zones of Taiping Island, conducted twice (April to June 2024, July to October 2024) ：
A total of 57 species of macroalgae were identified at six subtidal survey sites, including 10 newly recorded species. The preliminary findings have been presented at the 2025 Annual Forum for The Fisheries Society of Taiwan, and the manuscript for a journal article is currently in progress.
3. Survey of plankton communities on Taiping Island, conducted twice (March to April 2024, June to August 2024) ：
Using light traps, investigations were conducted at six sites in the surrounding marine area. Preliminary identification revealed organisms belonging to three phyla: Annelida, Arthropoda, and Platyhelminthes, encompassing a total of 18 orders. 
4. Survey of invertebrate communities on Taiping Island, conducted twice (March to April 2024, June to August 
2024) ：
Surveys were conducted at four sites each in the intertidal and subtidal zones, recording a total of 67 decapod species. These include Macrura (shrimp), Anomura (such as terrestrial hermit crabs, hermit crabs, porcelain crabs, and mole crabs), and Brachyura (crabs). The preliminary findings were presented at the 2025 Annual Forum for The Fisheries Society of Taiwan, and a manuscript for a journal article is currently in progress.
5. Survey of land hermit crab communities on Taiping Island, conducted twice (March to April 2024, June to August 
2024) ：
Surveys were conducted at four sampling sites on sandy beaches, collecting a total of 596 Coenobita rugosus (rugose land hermit crabs). The study found a strong preference for turban shells, with an occupancy rate as high as 81%. These preliminary findings were presented at the 2025 Annual Forum for The Fisheries Society of Taiwan, and a manuscript for a journal article is currently in progress.
6. Feasibility assessment for establishing an astronomical observation station, conducted once (August 2024) ：
A total of 13 subtidal sites were surveyed, and 65 species were identified. Among them, the research findings on the new species Fusigobius taipinensis have been published in the 2024 issue of the journal Zootaxa.