Recently, the monograph "Comprehensive Scientific Investigation and Research Report on the Zhongsha Islands" authored by Researcher Lin Qiang and Associate Researcher Qin Geng from the South China Sea Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been published and distributed by the Science Press. The collection, compilation, and publication of this monograph were supported by projects such as the National Basic Scientific Resources Survey Project and the National Natural Science Foundation.
Book Cover: Provided by Qin Geng
The South China Sea is one of the largest marginal seas in the world, covering an area of approximately 3.5 million square kilometers. It connects the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, serving as one of the busiest international shipping routes linking East Asia, Africa, and Europe. With over 200 uninhabited islands and reefs scattered throughout, the South China Sea boasts abundant marine mineral and biological resources. Located in the central South China Sea, the Zhongsha Islands are a crucial hub for maritime navigation. The Zhongsha Islands consist of the Yongle Islands, the Zhongsha Atoll, and over 30 submerged banks and shoals, spanning an area of over 600,000 square kilometers, second only to the Spratly Islands in terms of the extent of island distribution.
However, all the submerged banks and shoals of the Zhongsha Islands are hidden beneath the sea surface, with only a few rocks exposed at the Yongle Islands. The Zhongsha Atoll is the main part of the Zhongsha Islands and is one of the few large atoll systems in the world. Its coral reef ecosystem is complex, and it is rich in fishery resources. Therefore, conducting comprehensive scientific investigations of the Zhongsha Islands and their adjacent waters is not only beneficial for understanding the region and enhancing knowledge of the South China Sea but also essential for supporting sustainable development and protection of marine resources in the South China Sea, as well as for the construction of a "Maritime Power" and the strategy of "Developing the South China Sea."
This book brings together research teams from 9 research institutes or universities with expertise in scientific investigations and research in the South China Sea. Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology's project "Comprehensive Scientific Investigation of the Zhongsha Islands," the book provides a comprehensive scientific investigation of the coral reef geomorphology, hydrodynamics, geological structure, environmental chemistry, biological ecology, and fishery resources of the Zhongsha Islands and their adjacent waters for the first time. The research team conducted 7 survey missions between 2019 and 2022, covering the Zhongsha Atoll, Yongle Islands, Yitong Shoal, Shenhuxu Shoal, and their adjacent waters. By integrating survey data with remote sensing data and historical records, the team conducted a comprehensive analysis, compilation, and organization to produce the "Comprehensive Scientific Investigation Research Report of the Zhongsha Islands."
It is known that the climate conditions in the waters of the Zhongsha Islands are harsh, with strong winds and rough seas. During scientific investigations, there is a lack of shelter in case of sudden severe weather, and uncertainties such as foreign interference are also faced. Particularly, the water depth in the coral reef survey areas generally exceeds 15 meters, with complex and variable water conditions, posing great difficulty and high risk for the diving team carrying out the survey tasks. Despite these challenges, the research team fearlessly overcame obstacles and ultimately obtained the samples and data documented in this book.
