By Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS)
On the 26th January 2021, the Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, had successfully organised the 2nd WESTPAC Workshop on upwelling and its dynamics in the South China Sea and adjacent areas. This fully virtual workshop was officiated by the Representative from the Ministry of Environment and Water, Mr. Jamalulail bin Abu Bakar.
The workshop attracted over a hundred marine researchers and resource managers from the Western Pacific region, who had not only the opportunity to listen to presentations on the latest research on upwelling but also exchange ideas regarding upwelling studies and how it can contribute to the sustainable development of marine and coastal resources in the region.
Given the limited scientific knowledge on upwelling systems in the region and their importance to ocean productivity, in 2015, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) established a regional project, entitled “Upwelling Studies through Ocean Data Integration towards Sustaining Ocean Health and Productivity,” aiming to explore new upwelling sites and increase the understanding on upwelling dynamics in the South China Sea (SCS) and adjacent seas, through comparative studies and data integration.
The group now consist of members from more than 10 countries and lead by INOS Director, Assoc. Prof Dr. Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir from Malaysia was appointed as Principal Investigator for this project. During the workshop, the group also took the opportunity to launch their website, which will become the hub for information sharing on upwelling study in the region.
