In October 2024, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) launched the Cheng-Kung Lake dredging project to improve water quality while promoting environmental education. Students were invited to enter the lake for a “treasure hunt,” collecting fish, turtles, and other aquatic organisms. Through this hands-on activity, they learned about aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and the importance of pollution prevention. The project not only restored the lake’s environment but also strengthened students’ awareness of ecological conservation and sustainable development.
To further enhance water quality, NCKU introduced a “Smart Water Quality Monitoring and Treatment Vessel,” an unmanned boat that integrates artificial intelligence with water treatment technology. Jointly developed by the Departments of Environmental Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Naval Architecture, the vessel can monitor water quality in real time, perform surface cleaning, remove algae, and reduce nutrient levels. Its successful application in Cheng-Kung Lake demonstrates how advanced technology can support water resource management, protect aquatic habitats, and maintain biodiversity, offering a valuable model for other regions.
Beyond the campus, NCKU also contributes to national marine environmental protection. The Hydraulic Laboratory has organized fishing vessel teams across Taiwan that can be adapted for ecological surveys in different sea areas, including sampling and identifying plankton, benthic organisms, and fish species. In addition, the NCKU Coastal Ocean Monitoring Center assists the government in building long-term marine monitoring networks. By deploying buoys and automatic meteorological and ocean observation systems, the center provides real-time data on tides, waves, and weather to agencies such as the Central Weather Bureau and the Water Resources Agency, supporting scientific decision-making in marine and coastal management.
