Taiwan’s ocean research vessel Legend visits Palau

2023/07/25

“Legend,” a research vessel operated by the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute visited Palau for the first time July 20, spotlighting government strengthening of scientific research and development partnerships with allies.
 
The vessel operates under the Cabinet-level National Science and Technology Council’s National Applied Research Laboratories and docked in Malakal Port, on a mission to conduct research on zooplankton carbon flux and carbon dioxide output in waters surrounding Palau. The vessel staged an open day activity on July 21 for Palau officials, citizens and students to tour the cockpit, main laboratory, deck, cabins and restaurant to find out more about life on board the ship.
 
NSTC Minister Wu Tsung-tsong inked a Taiwan-Palau memorandum of understanding on ocean science research cooperation with Steven Victor, minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment during the visit, the NSTC said.
 
Under the MOU, Taiwan will assist Palau research blue carbon, marine biodiversity and biogeochemical potential in its marine economic zone, the NSTC said, adding that this will help the Pacific ally tackle marine conservation and restoration as well as establish pertinent regulations.
 
At the signing ceremony, Wu said oceans play a key role in alleviating the impact of climate change while over-exploitation and pollution have caused severe damage to marine ecosystems.
 
Due to facing similar climatic threats, Taiwan and Palau will continue to work with allies and Pacific countries to strengthen natural carbon sinks and advance technology for sustainable resource protection, Wu said. He added that the government is committed to proposing further solutions to the greenhouse effect and striving to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
 
According to the NSTC, a seminar focusing on blue carbon and ocean conservation was also held by the two countries. Numerous MOUs were concluded by Kaohsiung City-based National Sun Yat-sen University and Keelung City-headquartered National Taiwan Ocean University with Palau’s official and research facilities for further private cooperation.


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)