2006 sees China vigorously exploring ocean’s secrets

Beijing (China)—The year 2006 saw China vigorously exploring the ocean’s secrets, strengthening the capability of oceanic exploration and developing the marine industry.
The Chinese government is paying greater attention to oceanic exploration, as “reasonably utilizing oceanic resources” has been written into the country’s 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010). China has sent out its first scientific research ship to circumnavigate the globe and brought back more than 1,000 kilograms of samples of marine substances.
The ship traveled 43,230 nautical miles (79,975 kilometers) , an equivalent to circling the equator twice, according to Lu Huisheng, captain of the vessel. Chinese scientists on board the ship, “Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1)”, during its 297-day transoceanic voyage, have gathered many rock samples, monitored and mapped out the ocean floor for future deep-sea mining operations and also conducted deep-sea biological research such as investigating, collecting and classifying sea life samples.
Marine analysts said the trip marks the first step in the efforts of Chinese scientists to expand their reach to all major oceanic areas and to transform their focus from field research of mineral and biological resources to all-purposes studies, including advanced equipment testing and professional training. China has also started a comprehensive investigation of its own oceanic water environment since July 15.
The investigation, which is expected to be completed in two years, will help to draw a clearer picture of the oceanic environment, such as the water-depth, water temperature, ocean current and planktons of the near China sea. China has taken effective measures to enhance its oceanic exploration capability in 2006.
The construction of a 15-hectare base for polar expedition, which is expected to cost 160 million yuan (20 million U.S. dollars) has been going on in the Pudong New District of Shanghai since March 28. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2010, upon which, it will provide a special dock for the country’s only ice-breaking vessel for polar expeditions, the Xuelong (Snow Dragon), and will feature a laboratory, a workshop for storing and assembly of special materials and equipment for polar expeditions and a bank to handle specimens that expeditions bring back.
A China-made manned submersible which can go 7000 meters underwater is now being assembled. It will be the world’s first submersible that can go down to such a depth. Besides, China will put into orbit an upgraded oceanic satellite by the end of this year to monitor the marine environment and disasters. This represents the first step taken by China to build a network of oceanic satellites by 2010 to monitor the ocean’s environment.
The marine industry has continued its rapid development in the past one year. According to statistics of the State Oceanic Administration, the total output of the marine industry, including marine fishery, marine traffic, oil and gas exploitation, marine tourism and ship manufacturing, will reach up to two trillion yuan in 2006.

—Daily Mail, People’s Daily news exchange item