The Marine National Park Headquarters (MNPH) continued its study on the ecologies and strategies of the Dongsha Atoll National Park and four Southern Penghu Islands in 2012. The main axis of the study on the Dongsha Atoll and four Southern Penghu Islands was set on the ecologies of the coral reefs and the relationships between the national park and socio-economy. To share its achievements with the public, the MNPH is scheduled to launch its annual exhibition on May 3rd 2013 (Friday) at Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park.

Since its establishment in 2007, the MNPH has implemented a continuous study on the ecologies of the sea and shore around the Donsha Atoll. Regarding the sea, the study focuses on the ecologies of the coral reefs, including the coral, fish, Crustaceans, shellfish, algae, and seaweed; for the shore, the study covers the plants, insects, and birds. Other than the Dongsha Atoll, the MNPH has also launched a series of synchronized studies to explore other areas with high potential to become protected marine habitats around Taiwan, including the four Southern Penghu Islands (Dongyuping, Xiyuping, Dongjiyu, and Xijiyu), three Northern Islands (Pengjiayu, Mianhuayu, and Huapingyu), and Lanyu.

In the past year, the MNPH implemented several research projects, including “Analysis on the Natural Resources and Management Strategies of the Dongsha Atoll National Park”, “Study on the Impact to the Socio-economy and Development Strategies of the Four Southern Penghu Islands”, “Survey on the Biodiversity and Habitats at the North Side Dongsha Atoll Coral Reefs”, “Survey on the Resources of Shell Fishes from the Intertidal Zone to the Shores of Dongsha Island”, “Survey on the Resources of Crabs and Hermit Crabs from the Intertidal Zone to the Shores of Dongsha Island”, and “Survey on the Insect Fauna of Dongsha Island and Analysis on the Trend of Development”. For anyone interested in this year’s special topic report, don’t miss this year’s event. Please download and fill out the registration form, and return back to us by email or fax. For inquiries, please contact Ms Chen (07-3601886) at Conservation Research Section, Marine National Park Headquarters.