RM1m South China Sea expedition on El-Nino
Published on: Wednesday, August 03, 2016
KLANG: The 45-day National Scientific Cruise Expedition in the South China Sea costing almost RM1 million will provide crucial information such as research data and analysis on the impact of El-Nino on marine life.Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said the data will be used specifically to build an ocean model as an adaptation to climate change and identify marine resources, flora and fauna, as well as rocks and sediments."This is the second expedition and from the first expedition in 2009, four new species of marine fish from among 213 species were recorded," he said at the launch of the expedition here yesterday.
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Madius said the data is also important to studies on various species of seaweeds and macro algae, which opens the door to new research and development in the pharmaceutical aquaculture sectors."The information provided would also help the government to come up with decisions and plans, especially on the management of fishery, coral reefs, food security, the rise in sea levels and threats to marine life," he said.Madius also noted that this expedition will empower local scientists in competing with other maritime countries.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"All the data and analysis will be deposited into the Malaysia National Oceanographic Data Centre, under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry. It is a hub for marine science and oceanography data," he said.
