On November 15, 2025, the 14th Xiamen University Ocean Sciences Day was successfully held at Xiang’an Campus. Co-organized by the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (Xiamen University), Fujian Ocean Innovation Center, and other institutions, the event featured over 80 cutting-edge science popularization booths, 17 hands-on marine experiment courses, 3 thematic lectures, and 1 youth competition—all designed and ran by more than a thousand students and faculties. Over ten thousand visitors, including students, staff, and the general public, gathered to explore the unique wonders of marine science.

Highlight: COASTAL-SOS Coastal Rescue Initiative

Coastal zones are the most densely populated and economically vibrant areas, holding great potential for development, yet they also face dual pressures from natural environmental changes and human activities. Since the Industrial Revolution, massive greenhouse gas emissions have led to global warming, while rapid population growth and its concentration along coasts have further strained coastal ecosystems. The combined impact of global climate change and human socioeconomic activities has resulted in complex compound effects.

To address multiple threats such as coastal pollution, ecological degradation, and ocean deoxygenation, the COASTAL-SOS project carries the mission of “Rescuing Coastal Zones”, guiding participants to become crucial “action team members”. Through integrated approaches encompassing environmental science, ecological engineering, and economic policy, the booth includes four engaging modules: “Waste Sorting Challenge”, linking daily life with environmental practice; “Seagrass Field Investigation Challenge”, introducing youths to scientific investigation; “Blue Carbon Trading Created by You”, introducing ecological restoration and blue carbon trading; and “Ocean Hypoxia Exploration”, highlighting the severity of environmental crises. These modules are designed to help young participants systematically understand scientific methods for sustainable development, and inspire a sense of responsibility and initiative to start from their immediate surroundings in safeguarding our blue planet.

A student was participating the Ocean Hypoxia Exploration game

A volunteer was introducing the knowledge about Ocean Hypoxia

Students and the public were actively participating in the games

Volunteers from COASTAL-SOS Coastal Rescue Initiative took photos before the event

COASTAL-SOS Coastal Rescue Initiative Organizers:

Volunteers: Jianjie Feng, Peng Lin, Dan Peng, Shengbiao Peng, Zhenying Yuan, Wenjing Zhong

Coordinator: Yongqi Liu

Guidance: Hongmei Chen