Fourth US–China
Living Marine Resources
Joint Coordination Panel
February
28 - March 1, 2000
Minutes
Honolulu, Hawaii
On Feb. 28 - Mar. 1, 2000, the U.S.–China Joint Coordination Panel for Living Marine Resources (LMR) held its fourth meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting was co-chaired by the two delegation heads: Dr. James McVey, Aquaculture Director for the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce; and Professor Zhang Rongquan, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences of the Ministry of Agriculture. (See Annex I for the full list of delegates.)
Dr. McVey began the meeting by extending a warm welcome to the Chinese delegation and its new chairman, Professor Zhang. Professor Zhang expressed his pleasure at leading the Chinese delegation and said that he appreciated holding the fourth LMR meeting in Hawaii. The delegations introduced themselves and agreed to the meeting agenda (Annex II).
The panel reviewed and discussed the activities under the third LMR work plan covering the years 1997-1999 and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the interim (Annex III). Dr. James McVey and Prof. Zhang Rongquan gave overviews of LMR priorities and described key institutions in the United States and China (Annex IV).
During their discussions, both sides reaffirmed several principles of the LMR program:
Advancing our understanding of living marine resources through science helps both countries protect and use these resources in a sustainable manner.
Aquaculture and sustainable fisheries can provide many benefits. Failure to develop technologies in these areas can harm economic and environmental interests in both countries.
The United States and China have substantial, and in many ways complimentary expertise in marine, fishery, and aquaculture science.
Our common interests can be promoted effectively and efficiently through a broad, comprehensive program of cooperation, joint research, open communication, and an active exchange of scientists. However, all activities should obey the relevant laws and regulations of both countries.
Projects that lead to continued collaboration and contact between principal investigators and colleagues following specific exchanges should be encouraged.
Disseminating useful data and information, and publishing research results in peer-reviewed professional journals are important outcomes of cooperation.
For all exchanges of species and germ plasm, it is understood that both sides will maintain specimens in quarantine conditions where no escape is possible
Aware that their cooperation is based on equality and mutual benefit, the two sides set out to work together with genuine openness to outline a realistic program of cooperation for the next two years. Recognizing that budget limitations might prevent some projects from being implemented, the two sides nevertheless agreed to work vigorously to implement as many of the projects agreed to in the fourth LMR work plan (Annex V) as possible.
The LMR Joint Coordination Panel confirmed the need to continue meeting to facilitate cooperation under the US–China Marine and Fishery Science and Technology Protocol. The Chinese delegation agreed to host the fifth LMR meeting in the People's Republic of China in 2002. The panel co-chairs will set the schedule and location for this meeting later.
These minutes will be submitted to the 15th US–China Joint Working Group meeting for review and are recommended for inclusion in the 15th Annex to the US–China Marine and Fishery Science and Technology Protocol. They are signed on 1 March 2000 in Honolulu, Hawaii, in duplicate in English and Chinese, both texts being equally authentic.
_____________________________ ______________________| James P.McVey Aquaculture Director National Sea Grant College Program National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
Zhang Rongquan Vice President Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences< |
U.S. Delegation
Dr. James Paul McVey
U.S. Chair Aquaculture Director
National Sea Grant
jim.mcvey@noaa.gov
Dr. Charles Helsley
Director
University of Hawaii Sea Grant
chuck@soest.hawaii.edu
Dr. Mac Rawson
Director, Georgia
Sea Grant
mrawson@arches.uga.edu
Dr. Loh-Lee Low
National Marine Fisheries Service
Alaska Fisheries Science Center
loh-lee.low@noaa.gov
Dr. Charles Yarish
University of Connecticut
charles.ya@uconn.edu
Dr. Hans Laufer
University of Connecticut
hans.laufer@uconn.edu
Dr. Anthony Calabrese
National Marine Fisheries Service
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Milford Laboratory
NOAA
anthony.calabrese@noaa.gov
Mr. Thorn Smith
Industry Representative
Seattle, Washington
thorndog@ibm.net
Dr. Kenneth Lamon
Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research
NOAA
kenneth.lamon@noaa.gov
PRC Delegation
Prof. Zhang Rongquan
PRC Chair
Vice President
Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences.
Prof.
Liu Ruiyu
Academician
Institute of Oceanology
Chinese Academy of Sciences
jyliu@ms.qdio.ac.cn
Prof. Zhu Mingyuan
Director
Division of Marine Biology
First Institute of Oceanography
State Oceanic Administration
qdmyzhu@163.net
Prof. Li Yingren
Deputy Director
Division of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences
fhbacddb@publica.bj.cninfo.net
Prof. Jiang Shigui
Deputy Director
South China Sea
Fishery Research Institute
Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences
jiangsg@21cn.com
Meeting Agenda
February 27 (Sunday) Delegations arrive in Hawaii
February 28 (Monday) Meeting opens
9:00am - 9:30am Welcome and opening remarks
- Dr. James McVey, NOAA
- Prof. Zhang Rongquan, CAFS
9:30am - 10:30am Overview of National LMR priorities
- Prof. Zhang Rongquan, CAFS
- Dr. James McVey, NOAA
10:30am - 12:00pm Review of 1997-1999 activities
- Dr. Kenneth Lamon, NOAA
- Prof. Li Yingren, CAFS
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 5:00pm Discussion of Future Activities 2000-2001
6:00pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Review of draft report
February 29 (Tuesday) Discussions continue
9:00am - 10:00am Walking tour of University of Hawaii
10:00am - 12:00pm Discussions continue
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 4:00pm Discussions continue
4:00pm Concluding remarks
6:00pm Dinner
March 1 (Wednesday) Site visit
10:00am - 12:00am Oceanic Institute, University of Hawaii
12:00pm Report signed
P.M. Sightseeing in Hawaii
March 2 (Friday) U.S. delegation departs
March 3 (Saturday) Chinese delegation departs
Summary of Activities 1997-99
In January 1998, Dr. Li Fuhua of the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, came to the U.S. to work for six months with Prof. Hans Laufer at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Li studied the function of methyl farnesoate (MF) in the hemolymph and gonads of the Chinese shrimp Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) chinensis.
At Prof. Laufer's invitation, Dr. Li continued working in Connecticut on this cooperative project for an additional 12 months, until May 1999. She studied the effect of external MF on MF concentration in Libinia emarginata. At the same time she also analyzed MF concentration in the hemolymph and ovary of Penaeus vannamei. Dr. Guang-Xing Liu, Vice Chairman of the Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of Quingdao, also contributed to these experimental findings during a 12-month visit to the laboratory of Dr. Laufer. The research showed that the MF content in hemolymph and ovary tissue varies at different developmental stages in the Chinese shrimp, in the spider crab, and in the Pacific white shrimp. Scientists of both sides hope to complete further cooperation studies in the years 2000-2001.
US contact: Dr. Hans Laufer, University of Connecticut
PRC contact: Prof. Liu Ruiyu, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
See Section C
From April to June 1998, Chinese scientists from the Yellow Sea Fishery Research Institute cultivated six populations of healthy Penaeus chinensis postlarvae for a U.S. breeding program for pathogen-free shrimp. Histopathology tests confirmed the larvae to be negative for both HHNBV and HPV. Due to delays in obtaining travel documents, the larvae were not transported as planned. Because critical time periods had passed without a visa being issued, the US side requested that the exchange be postponed.
In July 1998, Ms. Zhou Jian-ling,
a technician in Prof. Lightner's laboratory at the University of Arizona, traveled
to China to bring back about 60 juvenile shrimps to
the US. Unfortunately, all the shrimps died because they were too large for
the
long-distance transport.
In July 1999, Dr. Xiaoling Song of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences traveled to the University of Arizona in Tucson for a 3-month collaborative research project on shrimp pathogens. Dr. Song brought postlarval Penaeus chinensis shrimp specimens with her from China. Although the shrimp survived transport, almost all the specimens were infected with the pathogen HPV and could not be used to create a diverse pathogen-free stock. The researchers did obtain more than 1200 DNA clones of these shrimp and Dr. Song returned to her laboratory in China with more than 300 clones to use for studying shrimp disease.
US contact: Dr. Donald Lightner, University of Arizona
PRC contact: Prof. Huang Jie, Yellow Sea Fishery Research Institute
(Prof. Xu Xun, Third Institute of Oceanography, SOA – no report)
Dr. A. Alcivar-Warren, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, and Prof. Xiang Jianhai of the Institute of Oceanology have begun a cooperative study of molecular genetic markers of shrimps. At the invitation of Prof. Xiang, Dr. Alcivar-Warren visited the Institute of Oceanology for two weeks in April 1999. At that time she discussed with Prof. Xiang a collaborative research project on shrimp molecular and population genetics, prepared a draft memorandum of understanding (now signed by the two institutions), and gave a talk entitled "Shrimp Genetics Research at Tufts University."
Prof. Linghua Zhou and Dr. Linsheng Song from the Institute of Oceanology will visit Dr. Alciver-Warren's laboratory during the year 2000 for a project on genome mapping.
US contact: Prof. Acacia Alcivar-Warren, Tufts University
PRC contact: Prof. Xiang Jianhai, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
Dr. Que Huayong of the Institute of Oceanology visited Dr. Stan Allen, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, from June 1997 to January 1998 for a joint study of chromosome manipulation in oysters. The researchers performed hybrid crosses of tetraploid and diploid Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas, with diploid Suminoe oysters, C. rivularis, to produce new oyster strains with desirable commercial traits. Approximately 100,000 hybrids of diploid C. gigas and diploid C. rivularis were obtained in addition to the first viable allotriploid oysters ever produced between pacific oysters and Suminoe oysters. These results were published in "Hybridization of tetraploid and diploid Crassostrea gigas with diploid C. rivularis" in Journal of Shellfish Research.
The researchers also attempted induction of tetraploid Suminoe oysters with the tetraploid Pacific oyster. However, that experiment was unsuccessful.
Dr. Que visited Dr. Allen again beginning in June 1999, to continue their joint research on induced tetraploidy in Suminoe oysters. During his visit to the VIMS Aquaculture Genetics & Breeding Technology Center (ABC) Dr. Que worked on two projects: 1) The mechanism for induction of tetraploid Suminoe oysters, and 2) Exploration of pentaploidy and hexaploidy in Pacific oysters, C. gigas.
Dr. Que brought with him broodstock of Suminoe oysters from China to ABC for experimental study. The proportion of chromosome segregation pattern that gave rise to tetraploids (United bipolar segregation) was 8.7%. A paper, co-authorized by Que and Guo, entitled “Chromosome segregation in fertilized eggs from triploid Suminoe oysters, Crassostgrea ariakensis, following inhibition of polar body 1” has been written for publication.
With the availability of tetraploid broodstock, they attempted to induce higher polyploids in Pacific oysters; both pentaploids and hexaploids have been induced successfully during the D-larva stage. However, no spats were obtained due to high larvae mortality.
US contact: Dr. Stan Allen, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
PRC contact: Dr. Zhang Fusui, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
In October and November of 1997, Dr. Ximing Guo, Rutgers, and Prof. Zhang Fusui visited Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, Shandong, and Liaoning to survey Chinese mollusk mariculture research and production. The results of their survey were published in "Molluscan Aquaculture in China," in the Journal of Shellfish Research.
US contact: Dr. Ximing Guo, Rutgers University
PRC contact: Dr. Zhang Fusui, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
(no activity)
(no activity)
(no activity)
From March to June 1997, Mr. Mao Xinghua and a group of Chinese scientists from the First Institute of Oceanography studied techniques for breeding and cultivating larvae of sea trout with Dr. Robert Vega at the Marine Development Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. This visit generated the following activities:
Induction of spawning by controlling light and temperature: US scientists taught the Chinese visitors step-by-step techniques for inducing spawning by regulating light and temperature.
Sea trout cultivation in ponds: US scientists demonstrated techniques for culturing sea trout in ponds. The Chinese scientists then used these techniques to breed sea trout in a 0.5-acre pond with a 60% survival rate.
The relation between environmental conditions and the growth of sea trout larvae: Under the supervision of US scientists, a Chinese visitor carried out an experiment on the effect of salinity, pH, NH4 and DO on development and growth of sea trout. The researchers looked for the optimum conditions for sea trout development and growth.
US contact: Dr. Robert Vega, Texas Parks and Wildlife
PRC contact: Prof. Mao Xinghua, First Institute of Oceanology
In early 1998, Dr. Lu Shan, a post-doctoral scholar from the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, came to the US for a 10-month cooperative project on the biology of the edible red alga, Porphyra (nori). The aim of this project was to promote future cultivation of the U.S. indigenous species Porphyra purpurea. The joint research resulted in numerous scientific papers. Two of these have already been published, one is currently in press, and four were presented at national and international meetings as invited papers (including the World Aquaculture Meeting, Feb. 1998, in Las Vegas). Two joint papers were presented at a special symposium on seaweed cultivation organized by Professor Yarish and were later published in World Aquaculture, Vol. 20 No. 4 (December 1998). Dr. Lu also included results of this research in his postdoctoral thesis, which he finished after returning to the Institute of Oceanology in Qingdao.
US contact: Charles Yarish, University of Connecticut
PRC: contact: Prof. X. E. Fei, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
In 1998, the State Oceanic Administration invited Dr. Peter Franks from Scripps Institution of Oceanography to visit China for an exchange on HAB modeling and early warnings. Due to health problems, this visit was postponed. Dr. Franks sent a recent paper on HABs to Prof. Zhu Mingyuan of First Institute of Oceanography. Dr. Franks may visit China in 2001.
US contact: Dr. Peter Franks, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
PRC contact: Prof. Zhu Mingyuan, First Institute of Oceanography
Dr. Donald Anderson from the Woods Hole Institution of Oceanography and Prof. Zhu Mingyuan served as international and domestic experts for the Asia Development Bank project "Coastal Resources Conservation and Environmental Management in the Bohai Sea, China." They intend to cooperate further in HAB management and early warnings in the Bohai Sea.
US contact: Dr. Peter Franks, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
PRC contact: Prof. Zhu Mingyuan, First Institute of Oceanography
In July 1999, Ms. Yinglin Zou went to Dr. Sherwood Hall's laboratory at U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a 6-month exchange visit to learn scientific techniques for detecting HAB toxins and to learn about monitoring and management of HABs in the United States.
US contact: Dr. Sherwood Hall, US Food and Drug Administration
PRC contact: Prof. Zhu Mingyuan, First Institute of Oceanography
In August 1998, Dr. Loh-Lee Low, Alaska Fisheries Science Center; Changsheng Chen, University of Georgia; and Dr. Mac Rawson, Director, Georgia Sea Grant visited China's First Institute of Oceanography. There they gave lectures on ecosystem management and discussed areas for possible future cooperation.
In March 1998, Mr. Ji Rubao from the First Institute of Oceanography came to the University of Georgia for a five-month exchange visit. There he developed a coupled physical-biological model for Jiaozhou Bay. This research was published in Journal of Geophysical Research. Mr. Ji Rubao is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Georgia.
US contact: Dr. Mac Rawson, University of Georgia
PRC contact: Zhu Mingyuan, First institute of Oceanography
While in Beijing, in August 1998, Dr. Rawson also discussed fisheries conservation and by-catch reduction at the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, the Yellow Sea Fishery Research Institute, and the East China Sea Fishery Research Institute. Scientists there are interested in by-catch reduction and fisheries conservation as part of a broad program of ecosystem management.
From September 1997 to June 1998, Mr. Liu Qigen, a lecturer at Shanghai Fisheries University (SFU), visited the Bridgeport Regional Vocational Aquaculture School to provide guidance on the culture of American eel and summer flounder.
During his stay, Mr. Liu also performed research on the biology of American eel and summer flounder that could be the basis for further research. He helped design and build a recirculating system for the school's eel culture and summer flounder culture laboratories. This work involved not only designing the recirculating system but also adapting commercial food to the needs of the fry, culturing the juveniles, and aiding the final grow-out of the eels.
At Bridgeport, Mr. Liu teamed with educators to help teach an intensive program on aquaculture and provided guidance to independent students on their projects.
From May to June 1998, Professor Wei Hua, Shanghai Fisheries University, visited the Bridgeport Regional Vocational Aquaculture School to help develop their aquaculture curriculum. Teaching plans for various Chinese aquaculture courses were translated in China. Three of these courses were chosen for inclusion in the Aquaculture School's curriculum: Aquaculture in Fresh Water, Marine Aquaculture, and the Precious Aquatic Animal Culture. While in the U.S., Mr. Wei helped adapt the three Chinese courses to the aquaculture school using freshwater giant prawn, American eel culture, and blue crab culture.
After a year’s preparation that included reciprocal staff visits, on February 8, 2000, the Bridgeport Regional Vocational Aquaculture School conducted its first videoconference with Shanghai Fisheries University. Using the most current videoconferencing technology, staff from both institutions met to discuss a future exchange of staff and students. Through a pre-planned communication schedule, distance learning and videoconferencing will provide students at both sites the opportunity to interact real-time while being ten thousand miles apart. The Bridgeport Aquaculture School provided equipment for the videoconference to Shanghai Fisheries University.
US contact: Mr. John Curtis, Bridgeport Aquaculture School
PRC contact: Mr. Wei Hua, Shanghai Fisheries University
In 1997, Mr. Yang Ningsheng from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences became the first Chinese information scientist to work in NOAA's Central Library. During his stay as a visiting scholar (4/97 - 8/97), Mr. Yang developed a home page (www.lib.noaa.gov/china/archi/chinafp.htm) on NOAA's computer network that presents fishery information about China.
US contact: Mrs. Janice Beattie, NOAA Central Library
PRC contact: Mr. Yang Ningsheng, Information Center, CAFS
Work Plan 2000-01
Li Fuhua of the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is invited to the U.S. for six months to collaborate with Prof. Hans Laufer at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Li will expand on her earlier studies of the function of methyl farnesoate (MF) in the hemolymph and gonads of the Chinese shrimp Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) chinensis. Dr. Hans Laufer will visit Qingdao in spring 2000 for one week to coordinate this project.
Brief description of project:
Continue measurements of MF in the blood and gonads of immature and mature females from maturation facilities (samples from PRC).
Measurement of MF in females at various stages of vitellogenesis and ovarian maturation (samples from PRC).
Measurement of MF in males at different stages of testicular maturation.
Measurement of MF and gonad maturation in males and females responding to eyestalk ablation.
Feeding trials using formulations of diets containing MF, with females individually tagged and followed daily. One half of the females are unilaterally destalked (these trials to be undertaken at a site where there are suitable facilities such as OI, University of Arizona or Texas A & M.
Begin studies on the identification and amino acid sequence of the mandibular organ-inhibiting hormone in the eyestalk of P. chinensis that regulates MF synthesis.
US contact: Dr. Hans Laufer, University of Connecticut
PRC contact: Dr. Li Fuhua, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
One Chinese researcher will come to Dr. Donald Lightner's laboratory in Arizona to work on creating a pathogen-free shrimp stock. Dr. Lightner will send one researcher to China to screen shrimp samples before they are brought over.
The purpose of this activity is to: (1) advance the theory and technology of shrimp virology in US; (2) exchange samples and information for shrimp virological research; (3) introduce US techniques for detection of shrimp disease pathogens to China; (4) participate in the US shrimp disease and prevention short-course at the University of Arizona.
Areas of interest for research include: in-vivo transfer of shrimp virus; tissue culture and virology with SPF shrimp; immunological and anti-viral mechanisms.
US contact: Dr. Donald Lightner, University of Arizona
PRC contact: Prof. Huang Jie, Yellow Sea Fishery Research Institute
Dr. Acacia Alcivar-Warren of the Department of Environmental and Population Health, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, will visit the Institute of Oceanology, CAS in May 2000 to lecture on molecular genetic markers. She will also discuss the implementation of a joint research program on shrimp molecular genetic markers with Prof. Xiang Jianhai in Qingdao, China.
Dr. Alcivar-Warren’s project includes two main research areas: (1) Population Genetics and (2) Genome Mapping.
Project 1: Population genetics of Penaeus chinensis
This project will estimate the genetic risks posed by the escape or release of cultured shrimp into the wild. As the scope of shrimp aquaculture increases so does the possibility of interaction between cultured (potentially inbred) and wild stocks. If large numbers of cultured shrimp species escape or are accidentally released, they may significantly alter the genetic makeup of wild populations by either displacing them or interbreeding with them. As has been seen with other fisheries, the results of such an introduction often include significant decreases in genetic diversity and a resulting overall decline in the fitness of the wild population.
Shrimp samples will be collected from various geographic regions in China. Either hemolymph or pleopods will be used for genetic diversity and disease prevalence analyses in the same animal. Body samples from selected animals will be frozen and shipped to Tufts University for further analysis of heavy metals and tissue gene expression.
Project 2: Shrimp genome mapping
Under the direction of Acacia Alcivar-Warren, U.S. and Chinese researchers will cooperate to develop microsatellites from P. chinensis for an integrated linkage map for penaeid shrimp, and cloning of a library for physical mapping. Dr. Song, Institute of Oceanology, CAS, will come to the US for up to 6 months to study genetic marker localization. Prof. Zhou, Institute of Oceanology, will come to the US for up to 3 months to help with the production of triploid P. vannamei shrimp.
The benefits of these projects include: advancing our understanding of ecological risks from aquaculture, developing genetic techniques that can be applied widely in fisheries management, and providing data to help farmers increase production and develop disease-resistant stocks.
US contact: Prof. Acacia Alcivar-Warren, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
PRC contact: Prof. Xiang Jianhai, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
Dr. Charles Helsley, University of Hawaii, will contact Dr. Philip Loh, University of Hawaii, as a possible American partner for a joint study of shrimp cell line.
US contact: Charles Helsley,
University of Hawaii, Sea Grant
Chengsheng Lee, Oceanic Institute
PRC contact: Prof. Jiang Shigui, South China Sea Fishery Research Institute, CAFS
A. Scallop mortality in China
This project will seek to identify causes for the recent massive mortality of scallop in China by:
Analyzing the effects of culture parameters, such as density, site and water temperature (Zhang);
Documenting mortality patterns and look for potential pathogens (Ford); and
Determining if brood populations are inbred and if there is genetic difference in survivorship (Guo).
The project will be conducted through close collaboration among Prof. Fusui Zhang at the Institute of Oceanology, CAS, and Dr. Susan Ford and Dr. Ximing Guo at the Haskin Shellfish Research Lab, Rutgers University.
Prof. Zhang’s group will investigate the effects of culture conditions and collect most of the field data and samples. He will analyze existing data and deploy scallops at different densities and sites.
Dr. Ford will work with Prof. Zhang to document mortality patterns and pathology. She will visit Shandong for 2-3 weeks in the year 2000 to assist in on-site studies of mortality and collect pathology samples. Dr. Ford, along with Prof. Zhang’s group, will set up a protocol for investigating and monitoring disease.
Dr. Guo will analyze the genetics of scallops from culture operations in China, before and after mortality, and will compare the results to genetics of wild populations. One of Prof. Zhang’s associates will visit Rutgers University as a visiting researcher for 6 months to receive training and perform the pathology and genetic analysis under the joint supervision of Drs. Ford and Guo. The researcher will bring scallop samples for pathology and genetic analysis.
US contacts: Dr. Susan Ford, Rutgers University, and
Dr. Ximing Guo, Rutgers University
PRC contact: Prof. Fusui Zhang, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
Dr. Que Huayong of Institute of Oceanology, CAS, would like to continue a joint study on oyster polyploid breeding with Dr. Allen and Guo.
PRC contact: Dr. Que Huayong, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
US contact: Dr. Stan Allen, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Dr. Fulin Chu will be invited to visit China for 1-2 weeks to participate in scallop disease research. While in China Dr. Chu will discuss China’s sending one scientist to the U.S. to participate in a joint study on shellfish diseases with her and Dr. E. Burreson at Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences.
PRC contact: Prof. Xiang Jianhai, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
US contact: Dr. Fulin Chu and Dr. Eugene Burreson, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences
The panel proposed establishing a new cooperative project between Prof. Xiang Jianhai's Lab, Institute of Oceanology, CAS, and Prof. Dennis Hedgecock, Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California at Davis. This research is intended to: develop the molecular markers and genetic probe on the marine bivalve mollusks; analyze the population genetic structure and variation among wild populations and cultured stocks of oyster and scallop by molecular techniques; and use the markers for genetic selection and marker-assisted breeding of marine mollusks.
Dr. Hedgecock will be invited to visit the Institute of Oceanology, CAS for one week and one Chinese scientist from Prof. Xiang’s laboratory will be invited to work with Dr. Hedgecock in the U.S. for up to 6 months. Further discussions need to occur with Dr. Hedgecock to determine the timing of this project because of Dr.Hedgecock’s busy schedule.
PRC contact: Prof. Xiang Jianhai, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
US contact: Dr. Dennis Hedgecock, Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California at Davis
This project will attempt to study: (1) Perkinsus disease and climate abnormality; (2) Perkinsus disease and marine pollution; (3) Perkinsus disease and trophic conditions; (4) Perkinsus disease and population degeneration; (5) Perkinsus disease and the evolution of pathogen; (6) Immunology for Perkinsus disease. The project will also attempt to model on the development of the Perkinsus disease pathogen.
PRC contact: Mr. Liang Yubo, Institute of Marine Environment Protection, SOA
US contact: Dr. Eric N. Powell, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University
An outbreak of the “crack-shell disease” caused massive abalone (Haliotis diversicolor) mortality in Guangdong Province in 1999. The pathogen is a spherical virus with a 150-220nm diameter. The virus was observed in the cytoplasm under a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM).
Collaboration will promote cooperation in abalone virology science between China and the US and will include study of recent advances in technology of abalone virology in the US.
The researchers will investigate (1) purification methods for the abalone virus; (2) a cDNA library for the virus; (3) sequence analysis of the genome DNA of the virus; and (4) PCR detection techniques of the virus. Further discussion is needed to identify a suitable U.S. partner for this activity to occur.
PRC contact: Assoc. Prof. Jiang Shigui , South China Sea Fishery Research Institute, CAFS,
US contact: To be determined
The South China Sea Fishery Research Institute (SCSFRI) proposes to continue exchanges with the Oceanic Institute in finfish culture and training. Exchanges related to mullet and other species of finfish may also occur following correspondence between the two sides. SCSFRI is also interested in cooperating with Texas A&M University on redfish culture, farming technology, and disease control. The two sides have already discussed cooperating in this area. Dr. Chengsheng Lee, Oceanic Institute, will visit Qingdao in September, 2000, to help start this project.
PRC contact: South China Sea Fishery Research Institute, CAFS
US contact: Chengsheng Lee, Oceanic Institute
Dr. Robert R. Stickney, Sea Grant College Program, Texas A & M University
The Atlantic croaker, also called golden croaker is a Sciaenid, an important commercial and recreational fish found in coastal waters stretching from Massachusetts in the north to Argentina in the south.
Research topics for this project include:
Cultivation of broodstock and the impacts of light and temperature in development and spawning
Techniques to induce maturation and to expedite spawning.
Effects of environmental conditions on the growth and development of larvae and juveniles
Induction of triploids by cytochalasin B
Other basic physiological and biological studies
PRC contact: Zhang Chaohui, Mao Xinghua, First Institute of Oceanography, SOA
US contact: Dr. Robert Vega, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Sex pheromones play a distinct and fundamental role in the reproductive physiology and behavior in animals. Dr. Peter Sorensen’s laboratory at the University of Minnesota has identified the first sex pheromones in fish and is considered a leading laboratory on this subject. The panel proposes a study of the theory and research technology of the influence of sex pheromones on the reproductive physiology and behavior of fish. The US side will contact Dr. Sorensen to determine his interest in participating in this study.
PRC contact: Prof. Lei Jiling, Prof. Liu Xinfu, Yellow Sea Fishery Research Institute, CAFS.
US contact: Dr. Peter W. Sorensen, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife,
College of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota
Both sides recognize the importance of virus research as it relates to living marine resources. The US side will approach the National Institute of Health (NIH) regarding the possibility for interagency coordination in this area.
There are 5 areas for collaboration between Chinese and American scientists: (1) establishing a gene library of marine viruses; (2) establishing recombined phage antibody of marine viruses; (3) tissue culture of marine animals and plants; (4) preliminary survey on marine virus ecology; and (5) exchanging of samples and academic communication.
PRC contact: Prof. Huang Jie, Yellow Sea Fishery Research Institute, CAFS
US contact: Dr. William Liang, RTC Romberg Tiburon Center, San Francisco State University
The newly created US-PRC cooperative research program on "Seaweed Cultivation, Biology and Biotechnology" has led to significant breakthroughs in the science of seaweed aquaculture. To build on these results, U.S. and Chinese scientists will attempt to set up a small, pilot-scale, Chinese nori farm in US coastal waters using New England Porphyra species.
Prof. Xiugeng Fei of the Institute of Oceanology will lead a group of Chinese scientists, including a postdoctoral scholar and technician, to assist with the technical portion of this joint project. Prof. Fei has agreed to bring with his team advanced Chinese technologies for the cultivation of Porphyra, based on four recently acquired patents. The Chinese will waive the patent fees for using their technology for this cooperative project. Materials to support the pilot scale farm will be purchased by the US from the PRC. Such a purchase is cost effective and will hasten the development of Porphyra cultivation in the US.
US contact: Charles Yarish, University of Connecticut
PRC: contact: Prof. Fei Xiugeng, Institute of Oceanology, CAS
Dr. Tang Xiaorong, Ocean University of Qingdao
This project will promote multi-year cooperation between the US and China through academic exchanges of faculty and graduate students. The PRC will send one faculty member to the US for up to one year to begin a collaborative research program leading to the eventual exchange of graduate students from the laboratories of Prof. Tang Xiaogeng, Ocean University of Qingdao, and Charles Yarish, University of Connecticut. Results will be published in internationally respected research journals.
Topics of interest include: (1) comparative study of closely related American and Chinese Porphyra species in cell, tissue, and mass culture; (2) comparative study of the life history of Porphyra species; (3) study of development control of native Porphyra species in the US and China; (4) cytological study on native Porphyra species in theUS and China; and (5) Ecophysiological and biochemical study on Porphyra.
US contact: Dr. Charles Yarish, University of Connecticut
PRC: contact: Dr. Tang Xiaorong, Ocean University of Qingdao
Because of the rise in occurrence of prominent HAB events in recent years, both sides stressed the importance of HAB cooperation for the management and protection of coastal waters. Cooperation will be in the following areas:
China and the US will participate in the APEC HAB management meeting. The final meeting of this project will be held in Hainan, China, April 15-18, 2000.
China will invite Dr. Donald Anderson, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, to visit Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Qingdao, China in 2000 to serve as an international consultant to GEOHAB China.
South China Sea Fishery Research Institute wishes to cooperate with the specialists of the US Food and Drug Administration in the preparation of PSP toxin standards. To this end Dr. Sherwood Hall will visit Guangzhou and Qingdao in spring 2000 to present recent work in HAB research at the FDA and to discuss future topics for collaboration. Detection and management of HAB toxins will also be explored during this visit.
US contact: Dr. Donald Anderson, Woods Hole institution of Oceanography
Dr. Sherwood Hall, US Food and Drug Administration
PRC contact: Prof. Zhu Mingyuan, First Institute of Oceanography, SOA
Prof. Chen Yaqu, East China Sea Fishery Research Institute, CAFS
Prof. Jia Xiaoping, South China Sea Fishery Research, Institute
U.S. and Chinese scientists will use computer models to determine the impact and carrying capacity for fishery, aquaculture, and tourism activities in Xincun Bay, Hainan Province. Hainan, the southern-most province in China, is a rapidly developing center for eco-tourism because of its beautiful mountains, coral reefs, and numerous lagoons. Of these lagoons, Xincun Bay is among the most economically and ecologically important. This project will focus on Xincun Bay as a model of sustainable development and integrated coastal management. It will advance the science of predictive, coupled physical-biological modeling and help sustain the environmental and economic health of Xincun Bay.
For this project two Chinese researchers will visit the United States. Chen Chunhua will come to the University of Georgia for 3 months and Wang Daoru will come for 6 months. One US scientist, Dr. Charles Yarish, University of Connecticut, will go to China to work on the macroalgal fieldwork of the project. Chen Feng and another researcher from the University of Georgia will go to China for one month to do fieldwork.
US contact: Dr. Mac Rawson, University of Georgia
Dr. Charles Yarish, University of Connecticut
PRC
contact: Prof. Xinhua Mao, First Institute of Oceanography, and
Dr. Wang Lu, Hainan Marine Development, Planning & Design Institute
Using advanced molecular technology, American and Chinese researchers will carry out a survey of microbial diversity in the coastal area of Hainan Province to evaluate the impact of environmental changes on biodiversity. The TRFLP chromatograph patterns of marine bacteria obtained from Xincun bay will be compared with that from coastal regions of the United States. This research will attempt to answer the following questions:
Is there any significant difference in the composition of bacterial communities in the two remote geographic locations?
What kind of seasonal and annual variation of bacterial communities are in these environments?
Does a fingerprint of the whole bacterial community reflect a particular environmental condition (e.g., the sites with or without mariculture activities)?
If the genotype (TRFLP fingerprint) of whole bacteria communities can be used as a valuable environmental biosensor, what is the best way to integrate the biodiversity data into the ecodynamic modeling for coastal management?
Samples from Xincun Bay, Hainan, China, will be collected every two months throughout an entire whole year and will be analyzed at the molecular microbial ecology laboratory at the University of Georgia. The researchers will seek funding from the National Science Foundation.
US contact: Dr. Mac Rawson, University of Georgia
PRC contact: Dr. Wu Suqi, First Institute of Oceanography
Ms. Feng Juan, South China Sea Fishery Research Institute
An internationally coordinated project to develop environmentally sustainable use and management programs for the YSLME is under final stages of review for funding by the United Nations Development Program. NOAA has provided technical support to the UNDP and to the participating countries (China and Korea) for the program. Upon funding and implementation, NOAA will continue to provide scientific and technical assistance to the YSLME project. The project will have four components: (1) regional strategies for sustainable management of fisheries and mariculture; (2) effective regional initiatives for biodiversity protection; (3) actions to reduce stress to the ecosystem, improve water quality and protect human health; and (4) development of regional institutions and capacities. Funding for this project is expected to come from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) of the United Nations Development Program.
US contact: Dr. Loh-Lee Low, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMFS
Dr. Kenneth Sherman, Narragensett Lab, NMFS
PRC Contact: Prof. Zhu Mingyuan, First Institute of Oceanography, SOA
For the past 50 years, Georges Bank in the Gulf of Maine and Zhejiang Coastal Upwelling Zone (ZCUZ) in the East China Sea have been two major fishing grounds. Data from Georges Bank shows a gradual shift from long-lived, high-trophic-level fish, such as cod and haddock, to low-trophic-level invertebrates and scavenger fish (such as dogfish), and benthic crustaceans (lobster, crabs, etc.). Data for the East China Sea shows a similar decline in the total catch in both high and low trophic level fishes during the past 30 years.
Natural oceanographic factors, such as ocean upwelling, mixing, temperature and nutrients, can strongly affect plankton production and thus the output of any fishing grounds. A classical example of the link between environmental factors and fisheries is seen in the El Nino on the Peruvian anchovy catch. For both Georges Bank and ZCUZ, it is not clear how the oceanographic factors varied during the past 50 years, and how such variabilities are related to the fisheries. We propose a joint U.S.-China study to address the following questions:
What are the differences and similarities in the oceanography and fisheries between Georges Bank and ZCUZ?
Are there any changes of the oceanography factors on Georges Bank and in ZCUZ during the past 50 years?
How can we document the environmental variabilities in these regions for the past 50 years?
If there are changes in the ocean circulation and plankton productivity in these two regions, are such variabilities associated with the changes in the structure of the marine ecosystem?
If the marine food web is shifting to lower-trophic-level in both fishing grounds, could the plankton data reflect such shifting? Could some of the theories for Georges Bank be applied to ZCUZ?
To prepare for the potential collaborative project, Professor Ning will contact Dr. Chai at the University of Maine.
PRC: contact: Dr. Fei Chai, University of Maine
PRC: contact: Prof. Ning Xiuren, Second Institute of Oceanography, SOA
In March 2000, staff from the Shanghai Fisheries University will visit the Bridgeport Regional Vocational Aquaculture School to teach applied mathematics for aquaculture. While at the Aquaculture School, they will also study how to develop, construct and maintain compact, efficient recirculating systems for saltwater species.
In April 2000, one teacher and four Aquaculture School students will do an exchange visit to Qingpu Fishery School. The four competitively selected students will study Chinese methods of raising freshwater finfish. At the conclusion of this two-week exchange, selected staff and students from the Qingpu Fishery School will travel to the United States for two-weeks to attend classes at the Aquaculture School.
US contact: Mr. John Curtis, Bridgeport Aquaculture School
PRC contact: Mr. Wei Hua, Shanghai Fisheries University
One Chinese expert will work in the NOAA library in Silver Spring, Maryland for approximately one month to update the China fisheries home page. The LMR panel recommends that the ‘data and information’ activity facilitate the exchange of technical journals between libraries in the United States and China.
US contact: Mrs. Janice Beattie, NOAA Central Library
PRC contact: Mr. Yang Ningsheng, Information Center, CAFS
Back to China - U. S. Cooperative Activities Page