An ecological observations and research station at the Yangtze estuary led by Fudan University has recently been approved as a national station, namely National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary (NORSWEYE), according to a list of 69 national stations, released by Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.
National observations and research stations are one of the key bases for national scientific innovation. The launch of new national stations is expected to boost the development of research bases in China and help promote the country’s technological advance and sustainable development.
Monitoring site (blue) in Dongtan, Chongming Island
and its three branches in Chongming Island (1), Jiuduansha (2) and Nanhui (3)
Long-term monitoring transect in Dongtan, Chongming Island
Carbon flux tower
Water quality monitoring buoy
Weather station
NORSWEYE is committed to transforming from a traditional wetland research station into a comprehensive multi-disciplinary research base in order to meet the needs of the scientific development of estuarine wetlands, the Yangtze River basin and coastal zones in China. Through long-term scientific monitoring and systematic research, NORSWEYE is aimed to deepen the scientific understanding of the Yangtze estuary and the impacts of natural processes and human activities, providing theoretical, technical and policy support for the conservation of estuarine wetlands and the sustainable management of estuarine resources.
Research building
Site for an ecosystem experiment on Chongming Island (≈21.4 acres)
Over the past five years, NORSWEYE researchers published nearly 200 papers in international journals such as Science, Science Advances, Nature Climate Change, Nature Plants and Nature Communications. NORSWEYE research has provided important scientific support for local and national development strategies, such as the development of Chongming Island as a world-class eco-island, Yangtze River Economic Belt, Coastal Economic Belt, and the integrated ecological and green development strategy for the Yangtze River Delta region. NORSWEYE research has also supported the design and implementation of an internationally appraised wetland restoration project that successfully controlled the invasive saltmarsh cordgrass and optimized bird habitats over 24 square km of wetlands in Dongtan, Chongming Island.
Researchers conducting field investigations in 2020
To help achieve China’s carbon peak and neutrality targets, NORSWEYE aims to become the observation and research center for wetland ecosystems of the Yangtze estuary, a key field base for atmospheric, ecological and environmental research in river deltas in Asia Pacific, a demonstration site for ecological restoration, disaster prevention and health maintenance of estuarine wetlands in China, and a platform for talent training, academic exchange, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Researchers conducting field survey in 2021
