Marine National Park Headquarters, National Sun Yat-sen University and Fisheries Research Institute cooperates on the project of "Investigation on the migratory route of the large migratory fish near Dongsha Atoll and have completed two preliminary investigations respectively in May and June 2015. With the help of the researchers from Marine National Park Headquarters, eight medium and large-sized migratory fish (including Caranxignobilis and Carangoidesfulvoguttatus), which weigh from 10 to 46 kilograms, were labeled. In total, three new species from Dongsha Atoll were documented, including migratory Elagatisbipinnulata and Euthynnusaffinis and also Lethrinusolivaceus a benthic subspecies.

Sampling and labelingresult of large migratory fish near Dongsha Atoll during May and June 2015

Due to bad weather conditions during both investigation periods, the boats were unable to enter outer atoll waters. We could only sample near the coast of the Dongsha Atoll. Therefore, only two larger species were caught. However, if we could have such fruitful result, we could find more migratory fish dwelling in the outer waters. All the researchers were highly encouraged and exited about their findings.

As the data-collecting process goes on, reseachers are able to keep track of the larger fish species and their movements; they can also update the fish database so that it can serve educational purposes. By sharing and exchanging the satellite data about the migratory routes of the fish with the foreign scholars, everyone in the world can better understand the diversity and the importance of Dongsha Atoll National Park. (Author: Zheng-Heng Liao from the Section of Guide and Education.)