The 2025 Shanghai Summer School program on Marine Cultivation and Fisheries, hosted by Shanghai Ocean University, successfully concluded after an 18-day immersive experience.

"Three weeks ago, we came here with a love for the ocean and curiosity about the unknown," said Tan Min Wei, a student from Malaysia.

"During the program, we not only gained cutting-edge knowledge but also forged lasting friendships. The spirit of 'Marine Cultivation and Fisheries' will become our motivation to protect our blue homeland," she added.

Her words resonated with fellow participants — government officials, technical experts and young students from 12 countries — who had come together at the summer school in Shanghai.

Participants included government officials from the African Development Bank, technical experts engaged in South-South cooperation with Shanghai Ocean University,  and young students representing the next generation of aquaculture talent.

During the 18-day learning experience, all participants explored the frontiers of aquatic science and technology together while experiencing the charm of Chinese culture.

Since the opening of the program on June 23, international students have experienced the university's strong academic heritage and research environment through academic lectures, experimental courses and field investigations.

The curriculum featured a series of lectures focusing on the frontiers of aquaculture.

The practical part included experimental operations and field trips. By participating in experimental courses such as the dissection of fish and crustaceans, international students could understand the physiological structure, characteristics of tissues and organs of aquatic organisms.

The students also gained an in-depth understanding of the characteristics and development model of China's aquatic products industry, one of the world's largest. They were organized to conduct industrial research in many places, including the Jinshan Aquaculture Base.

In addition, to enrich their understanding of Chinese culture, the program also provided a variety of cultural activities, including traditional Chinese cultural activities such as dragon boat racing, Chinese calligraphy, lacquer fan making and tai chi.

The program continues to attract international students interested in exploring the "blue granary" and experiencing traditional Chinese culture.

It's hoped that participants will apply the aquaculture knowledge they've learned here to real-world production and support the development of the aquatic products industry in their home countries.

Foday Mary Nguanya, an official from the African Development Bank, said that through the program, she learned that algae could become an industry and bring economic benefits, and she would promote that knowledge in Africa's agricultural development.

Shanghai Ocean University has made great achievements in the field of aquatic disciplines during its 113-year history. In 2021, the university hosted the once-in-a-decade Global Aquaculture Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, sharing China's expertise with the world.

Leveraging its strengths in aquaculture discipline and rich international education experience, Shanghai Ocean University has become an important platform for global students to access the cutting-edge technologies in the modern aquatic field and gain deeper insights into China.

Source: Shanghai Ocean University