May 12, 2025, marks the 17th National Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day in China. To further guide faculty and students of the School of Marine Science and Technology in understanding marine disasters and to foster an appreciation for the ocean, a seminar was held on May 15.

Invited speakers included Dr. Zhang Yao, researcher and deputy director of the Marine Disaster Reduction Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources; Wang Bin, deputy director of the Tianjin Marine Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources; Zhao Zhigang, deputy secretary of the Party committee and secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Tianjin Marine Center; Ma Yuyan, director of the Marine Ecology Room at the Tianjin Marine Center; and Wang Luning, director of the Forecasting and Warning Room.

They delivered specialized reports titled “Marine Disasters and Their Impact on Us” and “Coordinated ‘Warning’ and ‘Restoration’ to Protect the Beautiful Ocean.” The lecture was attended by the School Dean Prof. Zhai Jingsheng, and Mr. Jin Nan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, and representatives of faculty and students from the college. The session was hosted by Mr. Jin Nan.

Prof. Zhai warmly welcomed Dr. Zhang Yao and his team, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the recognition and support provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources to the School of Marine Science and Technology. He hoped that faculty and students of the School of Marine Science and Technology would take this opportunity to further enhance their awareness of scientific prevention against marine disasters and to embrace the mission of disaster prevention and reduction with a sense of responsibility.

Dr. Zhang Yao began by discussing the categories and characteristics of marine disasters in China, providing faculty and students with science popularization knowledge about various ocean dynamic disasters, including storm surges, waves, tsunamis, sea ice, sea level rise, and rip currents. He explained the causes, hazards, prevention, and management strategies related to these disasters, as well as the current state of marine disaster prevention and management efforts in China, which include the first comprehensive national natural disaster risk survey, risk warning for marine disasters during the flood season, and source management of marine disasters.

Dr. Ma Yuyan then introduced the development history of marine ecological monitoring in China, its main tasks, and future development plans. She discussed the principles, restoration measures, and related projects for marine ecological restoration in response to existing ecological issues. After the report, students actively engaged in discussions with the experts, sharing their insights and learning experiences.