Two students from the Research Group of Biology of Harmful Algae at Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB) participated in the cruise survey over the South China Sea in September and finished their task of collecting samples of Trichodesmium (Cyanobacteria).  

The cruise survey was undertaken by R/V shiyan 3, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research vessel set sail from Xinzhou Port, Guangzhou on August 31. When it reached the adjacent waters of Xisha Islands, the vessel sailed along the region of 8° North Latitude and passed near the Philippines and Taiwan Islands, stretching across the vast waters of central South China Sea. The whole voyage covered the northern South China Sea and the alongshore area of East Guangdong Coast, with a total distance of 2603 nautical miles (4820 kilometers). Since typhoon frequently happened this September, the gale and storm-force winds induced by the tropical cyclone posed plenty of difficulties and dangers for offshore operation. The crew aboard adjusted the navigation plan in time and took fully advantages of the fine weather to conduct offshore operation on marine organisms, hydrology and geology etc. After having finished data and samples collection, the vessel returned on September 23.  

This is the fourth time that IHB students have participated in the Cruise Survey over South China Sea.