On May 24, 2018, the Administration held the 2017 Research Results Presentation for Dongsha Atoll National Park and the South Penghu Four Islands at the Marine Science Institute Lecture Hall, National Sun Yat-sen University. Professors and researchers invited to share their findings included Professor Dai Chang-Feng from the Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Associate Professor Huang Yu-Sheng from the Department of Marine Recreation, National Penghu University of Science and Technology, and Associate Researcher Chen Jian-Xun and Assistant Researcher Lin Pei-Ying from the Taiwan Ocean Technology Research Center. At the event, materials such as "Encounter with Lemon Sharks – Dongsha Notes," "South Penghu Four Islands Marine Life Handbook/Algae & Invertebrates," and "Dongsha Eight-Prong Coral Ecology Atlas" were provided for attendees to reference, with the hope of fostering future efforts in ocean knowledge and conservation.
The presentation began with Assistant Researcher Lin Pei-Ying from the Taiwan Ocean Technology Research Center sharing the geological structure of Dongsha Atoll. To collect acoustic signals within the atoll, the Center specially adapted seafloor seismometers for deployment in the shallow waters of Dongsha Atoll. After analyzing the signals and summarizing the stratigraphy, preliminary findings indicate that the lagoon sediment layer is about 1 km deep beneath the seabed, and a high-velocity igneous rock zone is found approximately 9 km below Dongsha Island's surface. The Administration noted that since the overall geography of Dongsha Atoll differs somewhat from Darwin's atoll formation hypothesis, further coordinated research will continue. Subsequently, Associate Researcher Chen Jian-Xun shared findings on regional differences in foraminiferal assemblages, categorized into lagoon, reef flat, and outer atoll areas. Notably, porcelaneous double-shelled foraminifera were mostly observed in outer atoll waters with healthier coral environments, suggesting that foraminiferal assemblages could serve as indicators of coral reef health.
Associate Professor Huang Yu-Sheng from National Penghu University of Science and Technology presented the intertidal ecological survey results of the South Penghu Four Islands, highlighting common species and their characteristics. Due to the short intertidal zones around basaltic islands, subtidal biodiversity is richer, and key indicator species such as giant clams and large conches were recorded. The presentation concluded with Professor Dai Chang-Feng from National Taiwan University introducing the morphology of the eight-prong corals of Dongsha Atoll and the process of classification using skeletal needles. Currently, 119 species of soft corals have been recorded in Dongsha, with the Alcyoniidae family being the most numerous and the Nephtheidae family the least. Variations in species abundance further illustrate the ecological characteristics of this remote island.
Director Hung Chi-Yuan stated that conservation research is foundational work for National Parks, enabling effective resource management and sustainable use. On the 10th anniversary of Dongsha Atoll National Park, planning for small-scale ecological tourism is underway, while South Penghu Four Islands National Park seeks a new model that balances natural resource conservation and local community interests. In 2018, research continues across different areas: Dongsha Atoll National Park investigates seagrass, soft coral, and fish resources, while South Penghu Four Islands National Park studies marine natural resources, habitat types, and historical development of the four islands. The results will be presented to the public in 2019, advancing marine conservation services and public engagement, allowing citizens to take steps toward environmental stewardship through understanding the ocean.
