From October 25 to 26, the 16th Joint Conference on Fisheries Discipline Development at Chinese Universities and the Ocean University of China (OUC) Forum on High-Quality Development of Fisheries were held in Qingdao. Hosted by OUC under the theme “Joining Forces to Advance Disciplinary Innovation and Promote High-Quality Development of Fisheries,” the event brought together experts and scholars in fisheries from universities and research institutes across China. Participants exchanged views on fisheries science and technology innovation, discipline development, talent development, and the integration of industry and education, jointly exploring new pathways for the high-quality development of the fisheries discipline. More than 200 leaders, experts, and scholars from over 60 universities and research institutions attended the conference.
Zhang Junfeng, President of OUC, introduced the history and achievements of the university’s fisheries discipline. He noted that the conference coincided with OUC’s 102nd anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of its oceanography, fisheries, and geology disciplines, and expressed the hope that the conference would help strengthen exchanges and cooperation among universities and research institutes and jointly advance the high-quality development of the fisheries discipline.
Bao Zhenmin, President of the China Society of Fisheries and Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, noted that the fisheries discipline should respond to major national strategic needs, including food security and the revitalization of the seed industry. He called for closer integration of research and education and of industry and education, as well as collaborative innovation among universities, research institutes, and enterprises.
Mai Kangsen, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, called on universities to strengthen coordination with the Ministry of Education’s Teaching Steering Committee for Fisheries Programs and pursue distinctive development paths based on their respective strengths.
Professor Dong Shuanglin, former Chair of the Joint Conference on Fisheries Discipline Development at Chinese Universities, reviewed the history of the conference and recommended strengthening coordinated planning across the entire industry chain and improving resource-sharing mechanisms.
During the plenary presentation session, Academician Gui Jianfang of the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a presentation titled “Chinese Wisdom and Innovations in Breeding Technology for the Development of the Aquaculture Seed Industry,” while Academician Bao Zhenmin delivered a presentation titled “Challenges and Opportunities in Facility-Based Aquaculture in Deep and Offshore Waters.” Fisheries discipline leaders from the participating universities made remarks in turn. Focusing on discipline and academic program development, talent cultivation, Science and Technology Backyard initiatives, industry-education integration, and smart teaching, they shared their institutions’ approaches and practices in fisheries discipline development and educational reform.
At the closing ceremony, the conference announced the host institution for the next conference and handed over the conference flag.
The conference further strengthened exchanges and cooperation among universities engaged in fisheries education and research across China and built consensus on advancing the high-quality development of the fisheries discipline. Participants expressed their commitment to further aligning discipline development and talent cultivation with industry needs, strengthening open cooperation and resource sharing among universities, and jointly enhancing fisheries innovation and talent development, thereby contributing to the development of modern fisheries and the strengthening of China’s marine sector.
