The two sessions of the “2013 Dongsha Exploration – Marine Safety and National Park Ecological Experience Camp” were successfully completed from July 16–19, following the first session held on April 26–29. Both sessions were affected by stationary fronts or the outer circulation of a typhoon, giving participants a thrilling sea voyage and making their rare experience at Dongsha Atoll National Park even more memorable.
The first session took place in April, when Dongsha was transitioning from cool to warm weather. In addition to exploring the intertidal ecosystems of Dongsha Atoll National Park and observing various plant and animal characteristics, participants were fortunate to coincide with coral spawning events. They also had the rare opportunity to assist national park researchers in monitoring coral gonad development. The second session was held in July during the height of summer, when island wildlife activity peaks. Participants were deeply impressed by the pristine island environment, from the nighttime swarms of terrestrial hermit crabs to the quietly waving fiddler crabs in the inner lagoon.
This year’s Dongsha Exploration program also included hands-on participation in conservation and restoration efforts within the national park. Participants planted tree seedlings and coral fragments, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Dongsha Atoll National Park. They also expressed strong concern about marine debris issues. Through beach cleanup activities, participants realized that even remote Dongsha Island is still affected by drifting waste from distant regions. This experience prompted reflection on the meaning of conservation and encouraged participants to consider what they can do to protect the environment around them.
The Marine National Park Headquarters (MNPH) noted that Dongsha Atoll National Park is Taiwan’s first marine national park. In addition to its well-preserved coral reef formations, it also contains the largest seagrass bed area in Taiwan, supporting rich marine biodiversity and offering opportunities to observe a complete island ecosystem. MNPH will continue conducting long-term research and monitoring in Dongsha waters while strengthening conservation and restoration efforts, with the goal of restoring the former glory of Dongsha as a thriving “coral kingdom.”
The first session took place in April, when Dongsha was transitioning from cool to warm weather. In addition to exploring the intertidal ecosystems of Dongsha Atoll National Park and observing various plant and animal characteristics, participants were fortunate to coincide with coral spawning events. They also had the rare opportunity to assist national park researchers in monitoring coral gonad development. The second session was held in July during the height of summer, when island wildlife activity peaks. Participants were deeply impressed by the pristine island environment, from the nighttime swarms of terrestrial hermit crabs to the quietly waving fiddler crabs in the inner lagoon.
This year’s Dongsha Exploration program also included hands-on participation in conservation and restoration efforts within the national park. Participants planted tree seedlings and coral fragments, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Dongsha Atoll National Park. They also expressed strong concern about marine debris issues. Through beach cleanup activities, participants realized that even remote Dongsha Island is still affected by drifting waste from distant regions. This experience prompted reflection on the meaning of conservation and encouraged participants to consider what they can do to protect the environment around them.
The Marine National Park Headquarters (MNPH) noted that Dongsha Atoll National Park is Taiwan’s first marine national park. In addition to its well-preserved coral reef formations, it also contains the largest seagrass bed area in Taiwan, supporting rich marine biodiversity and offering opportunities to observe a complete island ecosystem. MNPH will continue conducting long-term research and monitoring in Dongsha waters while strengthening conservation and restoration efforts, with the goal of restoring the former glory of Dongsha as a thriving “coral kingdom.”
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| Participants observing the nighttime ecology of terrestrial hermit crabs on the beach | Planting a tree seedling to support restoration of native vegetation on Dongsha Island |
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| Coral restoration is one of the key conservation efforts in Dongsha | Participants clearing marine debris to restore Dongsha’s clean beaches |
