International Workshop on Best Practices for Ecosystem-Based Pelagic Fishery Acoustic Surveys Held at Shanghai Ocean University

From April 6 to 10, 2026, the International Workshop on Best Practices for Ecosystem-Based Pelagic Fishery Acoustic Surveys was successfully hosted at Shanghai Ocean University, bringing together leading experts from around the world to advance the science of marine resource assessment.

Background and Significance

Marine living resources represent a vital source of food for humanity. Conducting scientific and systematic surveys of these resources is fundamental to understanding and sustainably utilizing them. Fisheries acoustics, as a non-invasive, non-destructive, efficient, and convenient survey method, is playing an increasingly important role in marine resource assessment and ecosystem monitoring.

Since 2021, Shanghai Ocean University has been leading the Global Fishery Resources Survey, Monitoring and Assessment Program. Over the past five years, the university has carried out consecutive acoustic surveys in the Northwest Pacific and the Western and Central Pacific Oceans, accumulating rich survey data and analytical experience. In recent years, partner institutions—including the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute and the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences—have also begun survey work in the Indian Ocean, further expanding the scope and depth of pelagic fishery resource surveys.

Workshop Highlights

The workshop gathered participants from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries. International and Chinese experts presented cutting-edge research and shared practical experiences across several core themes:

• Fishery-independent survey methods: Approaches for assessing marine living resources independent of commercial fishing operations
• New technologies and methodologies: Innovative acoustic survey techniques and emerging tools for marine resource assessment
• Uncertainty propagation: Methods for quantifying and communicating uncertainty in resource survey estimates
• Hands-on training: Participants received practical training on acoustic equipment calibration and data processing software, gaining firsthand experience with the latest tools and techniques

Chinese experts systematically showcased innovative achievements and practical applications from acoustic surveys conducted in the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea regions.

This workshop marks a significant step in strengthening international collaboration and advancing best practices for ecosystem-based pelagic fishery acoustic surveys, supporting the sustainable management of global marine resources.