MIAO Wei, director of IHB, introduced to officials from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment a range of smart monitoring devices developed by IHB. (Credit: IHB)

On January 5–6, 2026, the Yangtze River Economic Belt Ecological and Environmental Protection Exchange and Scientific Achievement Promotion Event was held in Chongqing. As a co-builder of the Yangtze River Ecological Environment Scientific Observation Research Network, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences participated in the event, with director MIAO Wei attending the launch ceremony of the research network and presenting IHB's latest technological advances.

Director Miao introduced to officials from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment a range of smart monitoring devices developed by IHB, including artificial intelligence-based detection systems for phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic organisms, and fish, as well as portable environmental DNA (eDNA) enrichment instruments.

He also highlighted IHB's innovative“mineral-based/bio-sourced material and submerged plant collaborative resilient aquatic ecosystem restoration technology,” which provides efficient and sustainable solutions for reducing sediment pollutants, improving substrate habitats, and restoring aquatic vegetation in polluted or degraded river and lake ecosystems across the Yangtze Basin.

During the exchange, Miao emphasized the practical application of big data and artificial intelligence in advancing ecological protection and restoration efforts along the Yangtze River. By integrating smart monitoring networks and data analysis platforms, IHB has enhanced the precision and effectiveness of ecosystem assessment and intervention.

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. As the initiator of the “ten-year fishing ban” in the Yangtze River, IHB has been deeply involved in water ecosystem protection and restoration efforts in the region. Moving forward, the institute will continue to leverage new productive forces to enable intelligent ecological monitoring and ecosystem rehabilitation, offering a replicable and scalable “IHB solution” for the broader protection of the Yangtze River.

Launch Ceremony for the Ecological Environment Scientific Observation Research Network (Credit: IHB)