Unveiling the Secret Relationship Between Kuroshio and Fish Catch: Dr. Oey Lie-Yauw of IHOS Proposes the Influence Mechanism
By collecting and examining satellite remote sensing data and long-term fisheries statistics, Dr. Oey Lie-Yauw, Professor of the Graduate Institute of Hydrological and Oceanic Sciences (IHOS) at NCU, and his research team discovered that about 40% of changes in mackerel catches were influenced by the change of the Kuroshio, the “Black Current” in Japanese. If one can master detection of the subtle fluctuations of timing of the Kuroshio flowing onshore or offshore, one may potentially be able to better predict the fish catch. This significant research accomplishment was published in the Journal of Physical Oceanography (JPO); at the same time, the research was also featured in the widely popular and renowned magazine “Physics Today.”
The Advanced Taiwan Ocean Prediction Model (the ATOP Model) established by Dr. Oey Lie-Yauw is one of the top meteorological and oceanographic models in the world, providing strong and solid scientific argument. This innovative research is co-authored with Dr. Lee Ming-An from the National Taiwan Ocean University, who specializes in Satellite Oceanography and Descriptive Fishery Oceanography, and Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Wang Jia, now at Jimei University in Xiamen, Mainland China. This research is highly related to Taiwan’s unique geographical location - having Kuroshio passing by, monsoons and longshore currents intersecting around the island - Taiwan has a rare and special environment for researchers in the related fields.
“Oceanography is closely related to our daily life; it is definitely not something in an ivory tower. At the time of confronting climate change and depletion of fishery resources, Dr. Oey’s research has become more valuable. His research accomplishment is not only extraordinary in academic fields but also makes substantial contributions to the development of fishery of Taiwan.” stated Dr. Chien Hwa of the IHOS.
