A research team led by Prof. HU Hanhua from the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealed a syntrophic relationship between the model obligate photoautotroph diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the rod-shaped bacterium Loktanella vestfoldensis, and its important role in the carbon adaptation mechanism of diatoms.
In a landmark study published in the journal Science, researchers led by Prof. CHEN Yushun from the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with domestic and international collaborators, revealed that this ban has not only halted the 70-year decline in Yangtze fish resources but also triggered an initial recovery.
Based on previous work, a research group led by Prof. HE Shunping, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, from the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences collaborated with Prof. Thomas J. Near's group at Yale University revealed the genomic mechanisms underlying the slow morphological changes in fish from the order Lepisosteiformes.
A team of Chinese and Bangladeshi scientists made use of a China-made real-time acoustic monitoring system — dubbed "tech ears" — to detect 146 Ganges River dolphins. When the survey concluded on Jan 9, the team had identified multiple key dolphin habitats, including high-density activity zones near downstream sandbars.
The population of the Yangtze finless porpoise, the only freshwater porpoise species in China's longest river, has risen to 1,426 in 2025, indicating that the fishing ban and other conservation efforts are reviving the ecosystem of the Yangtze River.
Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development of Ghana, led a high-level delegation to Hubei Province and Wuhan in late January. At the Institute of Hydrobiology, CAS, Minister Arthur accepted an exclusive interview with CICC’s Changjiang Dialogue.
The visit focused on discussions and exchanges regarding Sino-Ghana cooperation in fisheries ecological resource surveys, aquaculture technology, talent cultivation, and biosecurity system development.
IHB remains committed to deepening scientific exchange and cooperation with nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly promoting innovation and sustainable development in the field of aquatic biology.
The event served as a platform to demonstrate scientific and technological achievements in supporting the ecological conservation of the Yangtze River, promoting the adoption and implementation of advanced applicable technologies.
Through its combination of indoor learning, field observation, and outdoor collaboration, the program sought to deepen participants’ connection to IHB’s legacy and research direction, reinforce academic ethics, and foster a supportive professional community.
At the 2026 Hubei Science and Technology Innovation Conference which was held on June 4, 2026, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was recognized for both its foundational research and its industry-transforming applied science.
This visit paved the way for me to consider establishing duckweed research in Sri Lanka. Although it was a short visit, I had a great and productive time in Wuhan.
2F Lecture Hall, No.3 Laboratory Building
