Ocean Science

Covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, the vast oceans represent the lifeblood of all living organisms. The ocean produces more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere, is the largest reservoir of carbon dioxide, and is home to almost a third of the Earth’s living species. Moreover, the ocean has a special role in climate regulation and is a vital source of food for humanity. Its importance to Earth’s livelihood goes without being said.

Adverse human activity and exponentially expanding human population have exerted increasingly negative effects on the ocean and its health. Building understanding and pushing research frontiers on ocean science are vital efforts that HKUST ocean scientists and marine biologists have undertaken in the new establishment of the highly interdisciplinary Ocean Science Department. Researchers are focused on advancing foundational knowledge and building applications in marine conservation, global climate change, management of marine resources, socio-economy and sustainable development, under three main research areas: marine ecology, oceanography and ocean technology.