The Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Marine Headquarters) published an interpretive handbook in 2011 titled “Blue Ocean Oasis – The Marine Chapter of Dongsha”, introducing Dongsha Atoll and its surrounding marine environment and biodiversity. The publication offers the public an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the beautiful ring of the South China Sea—Dongsha Atoll—and its rich marine ecosystems.

Dongsha Atoll is Taiwan’s first marine national park, located at the northern end of the South China Sea. Formed by coral growth and accumulation over millions of years, it is the only fully developed large atoll landscape within Taiwan’s waters. It encompasses interconnected ecosystems including islands, lagoons, intertidal zones, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and open ocean environments, nurturing abundant and diverse marine life. The Marine Headquarters noted that after successively publishing interpretive series on Dongsha’s birds, insects, plants, fishes, and seagrass beds, the release of “Blue Ocean Oasis” is particularly significant. It integrates previous publications into a comprehensive volume, allowing the public to glimpse the full picture of Dongsha and encouraging greater appreciation of its azure waters.

This book was authored by Professor Chang-Feng Dai, Director of the Institute of Oceanography at National Taiwan University, who has devoted more than thirty years to coral reef ecological research. The content is extensive, covering marine geology and geomorphology, physical and chemical environments, marine ecosystems, and various environmental phenomena of Dongsha. It also introduces concepts and issues related to sustainable oceans, explaining the challenges Dongsha Atoll faces under global environmental change and possible responses. After reading, readers will gain a systematic and holistic understanding of Dongsha Atoll, as well as broader insights into global marine environmental impacts and marine conservation efforts. Professor Dai also provides numerous valuable photographs showcasing the beauty of Dongsha’s coral reef ecosystems. Particularly noteworthy is the axial coral featured on the book cover. The photograph was taken in the northern waters of the outer atoll, where the coral displays a rare reddish coloration. Owing to the healthy environmental conditions of the outer atoll, the coral colony appears robust and thriving.

Those interested in learning more about the marine ecology and environmental beauty of Dongsha Atoll may purchase the book at Wu-Nan Bookstore, National Bookstore, Youth Bookstore, the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society, the Keelung Wild Bird Society, or the Marine Headquarters Visitor Service Center.