National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) applies innovative technologies to protect aquatic ecosystems and prevent environmental damage. In 2025, its "Circular Penghu" project transformed dead coral rubble into low-carbon 3D-printed ecological reefs, deployed in two marine areas to provide potential habitats for marine organisms. NCKU's Underwater Technology Research Center uses ROVs, AUVs, USVs, and AI image analysis for marine surveys and supported underwater assessments of the BLUE LAGOON ship grounding. Its smart water quality monitoring and treatment vessel improves water conditions at Cheng-Kung Lake. Additionally, the Coastal Ocean Monitoring Center operates marine data buoys, tide stations, and automated monitoring systems, providing real-time environmental information to government agencies. These technologies support habitat restoration, environmental assessment, and long-term aquatic ecosystem monitoring.
Technologies towards aquatic ecosystem damage prevention (direct work)
14.3.4
SDG14
NCKU’s technologies towards aquatic ecosystem damage prevention
- 3D-Printed Ecological Reefs for Marine Habitat Restoration
In 2025, NCKU's C-Cube Lab collaborated with government, research, and industry partners on the "Circular Penghu" project. The team transformed dead coral rubble into low-carbon 3D-printing materials and deployed porous ecological reefs in two marine areas of Penghu, providing potential habitats for coral and fish. Long-term monitoring is planned to assess restoration outcomes.
- Smart Marine Ecosystem Monitoring and Protection
NCKU's Underwater Technology Research Center integrates ROVs, AUVs, USVs, and AI image analysis to monitor marine ecosystems. The team has conducted underwater surveys across Taiwan, collecting coral imagery for ecological assessment. Its ROVs also supported investigations of the BLUE LAGOON ship grounding near Lanyu, providing underwater data to assess environmental conditions and recovery.- NCKU has introduced a “Smart Water Quality Monitoring and Treatment Vessel” to Cheng-Kung Lake, aiming to restore its clear and pristine appearance.
The introduction of the “Smart Water Quality Monitoring and Treatment Vessel” not only improved the water quality of Cheng-Kung Lake but also demonstrated the application of advanced technology in water protection and ecological conservation. This innovative measure helps safeguard the habitats of aquatic organisms, maintain biodiversity, and provides a valuable reference for water management in other regions.- Marine Ecology - NCKU and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In NCKU, our researchers have developed the Taiwan Marine Environmental Monitoring Service (TwMEMS) to support various ocean-related activities in Taiwan’s waters. This service integrates multiple marine environmental parameters, including wind, waves, tides, currents, and temperature. Some of these parameters are obtained from in-situ measurements, others from remote sensing observations, as well as from ship reports and numerical models. The service platform has now been launched and is currently providing services to more than 10 government agencies in Taiwan, as well as to many members of the public.https://sdg.ncku.edu.tw/book-14.html
- NCKU Coastal Ocean Monitoring Center
The NCKU Coastal Ocean Monitoring Center was established to assist the government in setting up long-term and operational monitoring networks. The center has deployed marine environment data buoys and installed automatic meteorological and ocean data monitoring systems, such as tide stations, observation piles, and coastal weather stations. These systems, located primarily in nearshore or deep-sea areas, provide real-time data for government agencies like the Central Weather Bureau, Water Resources Agency, and Tourism Bureau.https://www.comc.ncku.edu.tw/