Aug. 13th, 2010 witnessed the successful maiden voyage of the survey ship "Nan Feng" of South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute (SCSFRI), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS) and its investigation of oceanic cephalopod resources in Xisha Islands and its adjacent waters.
"Nan Feng" set off on Aug. 3rd and returned on Aug. 13th, having travelled more than 1500 n miles. Among the 36 crew, 10 are scientific research staff. During the maritime investigation, a clear division of labor and close cooperation of the crew secured the investigation mission.
The maritime investigation carried out an EK60 crusing observation, sampling by mid-water trawl at the depth of 400~1000 m from north to southwest Xisha Islands to investigate the species composition and quantitative distribution of the living resources in the middle and upper layer, biomass of important economic species and allowable catch of especially oceanic cephalopods. Moreover, the voyage also observed the environmental factors and sampled plankton plants and animals as well as benthos.
The navigation capability of "Nan Feng" has been tested qualified for maritime investigation through this voyage. The equipment and scientific apparatus on board operated well, which greatly facilitated the integrated investigation and collection of much valuable data for subject researches. The successful maiden voyage of "Nang Feng" symbolized an initiation of the new era for the development strategies of marine economy and fisheries by science & technology, further promoting the bilateral and multilateral cooperation on fisheries between China and other regions and countries, and more importantly, providing important science and technology for realizing China's highly competitive distant fisheries.
