The Second IOC/WESTPAC Training Course on “Water Quality and Impact on Coral Reefs” was successfully held in Sanya, Hainan, China, 8-11 June 2011. This course was chaired by Prof Hui Huang from South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Prof Jing Zhang from East China Normal University. It was also financially supported by State Oceanic Administration of China, and National Science Foundation of China. On behalf of the host institute, Prof. Guo Dong Xie, Director Assistant of South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, delivered the welcome speech. Five resource persons from Philippines, Thailand, Korea and China were invited to give lectures on the following topics:
– non-point source pollution of coral reef environment;
– changes in water environments on coral reefs;
– heavy metal and acidification recorded in coral skeleton;
– marine pollution and biogeochemistry and water quality on biology and ecology of coral reefs.

The total number of trainee was 32 from Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Republic of Korea, India, Singapore, Hong Kong and Mainland China. The training course was divided into 3 parts: lectures from experts; field and labortory investigations; oral presentations and/or posters by trainees. Through the Second IOC/WESTPAC Training Course, students had investigated the effect of water quality on coral reefs and the status of reefs from the Sanya where human disturbance has dramatic influences on the marine ecosystem. Trainees have opportunity to learn some basic skills on reef survey and measurements of water quality parameters, either by practical work or demonstration. The training course provided an opportunity and a basis for cooperative studies and exchanging information in the Western Pacific Region.

For more information, please contact Project Leader: Professor Dr. Jing Zhang at jzhang@sklec.ecnu.edu.cn