On December 16th, Fujian Province’s first national-level marine research institute, the Quanzhou Marine Bioresources Industry Institute, was officially inaugurated. This high-level innovation platform, established by the Quanzhou Municipal Government, Ocean University of China, and the Shishi Municipal Government, aims to drive advancements in marine science and technology. The institute was officially registered and founded in January 2023. Xue Changhu, a renowned expert in aquatic product processing and storage engineering, and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was appointed as its first director.

　　Official Inauguration of the Quanzhou Marine Bioresources Industry Institute

　　During his visit to Fujian in October, President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of deepening the integration of technological and industrial innovation. He called for the acceleration of a comprehensive innovation system and reforms to integrate education, science and technology, and talent development to enhance national competitiveness.

　　Director Xue Changhu explained that the institute would leverage Ocean University of China's strengths in aquatic science, food technology, and related fields. Its focus will be on supporting national strategies such as innovation-driven development and the construction of a maritime power. The institute will also address key national priorities, including advancing the marine economy, enhancing the utilization of deep-sea aquatic products, developing marine bioproduct processing technologies, and creating integrated equipment for the marine bioindustry. These efforts aim to unlock the potential of marine biological resources to boost marine economic competitiveness, ensure food security, and promote sustainable marine ecological development.

　　Since its establishment, the institute has emphasized "whole industry chain collaborative innovation" across areas such as aquatic breeding, novel aquatic feed, green aquaculture, and the deep processing and circulation of aquatic products. It has continuously strengthened systems for industrialization and marketization, aligning with Quanzhou’s development advantages and industrial characteristics. The institute has made significant strides in marine science and technology research, the commercialization of scientific achievements, and the development of products and services. Currently, it has developed a 6,000-square-meter science and technology innovation platform, which includes functional laboratories, industrial workshops, and a marine science exhibition hall. This platform integrates cutting-edge technology research, talent development, industry incubation, and innovation services, providing a robust base for technology research, the transformation of achievements, and enterprise support.

　　Xue Changhu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Quanzhou Marine Bioresources Industry Institute

　　Director Xue emphasized that the launch of the institute marks a major milestone in the cooperation between Ocean University of China, Quanzhou, and Shishi. It represents a critical step toward advancing regional economic development, driving innovation in the marine bioindustry, and enhancing the competitiveness of the marine economy. Looking ahead, the institute will uphold the philosophy that "the ocean is the source, and new productive forces come from marine science." By focusing on industrial development needs, it aims to foster the mutual promotion of technology and industry. The institute will actively integrate into Quanzhou’s innovation ecosystem, injecting fresh energy into the marine bioindustry. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen the global influence of Quanzhou’s marine bioindustry, contribute to the high-quality development of Fujian’s marine economy, accelerate the integration of the Fujian-Taiwan marine economy, and establish a globally influential platform for marine bioindustry science and technology innovation.