SDG 14.5.1

1. The effects of ocean current and hydrothermal vent environmental factors on vent crab population dispersal and habitat selection洋流與熱泉區環境因子對烏龜怪方蟹族群擴散與棲地選擇的影響

The hydrothermal vent crab Xenograpsus testudinatus (Xenograpsidae) was first discovered in Kueishan Island, Taiwan, in which they evolve a range of morphological and physiological adaptations to cope with extreme conditions. Recently, X. testudinatus colonies have also been found near hydrothermal vents in the northern areas, e.g. in Showa Iwo-Jima Island and Shikine-jima Island of Japan. Together with recent papers, our latest genomic DNA sequencing results indicated that there was no significant inter-population genetic divergence

between the populations, and the intra-population genetic variability of the population in Kueishan Island was not higher than others. Ocean currents have been known that play an important role in the planktonic larval dispersal as well as maintaining the gene flow among the populations. However, the mechanisms that result X. testudinatus distribution pattern and attract those crabs to the vent areas are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the larvae settle down or juvenile clumping were attracted by the environmental factors of the hydrothermal vents, and the roles of seasonal shift currents play in the population dispersal of X. testudinatus. As for sulfide, a most significant compound in the vents of Kueishan Island, our preliminary tests indicated that adult vent crabs had sexual dimorphic taxis behavior to this chemicals cue during reproduction season, where females show clear negative taxis behavior but it was positive in males. Nevertheless, such taxi behavior was not observed during any other season. Since the sulfide did not attract adult crabs to the vent, in the following studies, we will compare the soundscape and the chemical compositions of the vents in Kueishan Island and Showa Iwo-Jima island by principal component analysis. The hearing and olfactory sensitivity of vents crabs to the dominate sound and chemicals component will be measured by electrophysiological approach. Meanwhile, more behavior experiments will be conducted to examine.

Sustainable Impact: The results of this study will help understand how ocean currents connect different populations of The hydrothermal vent crab and provide possible hypotheses for the formation and evolution of deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities, which is of great significance for future ecological sustainability management and operations.

烏龜怪方蟹(Xenograpsus testudinatus) 最早發現於台灣龜山島海域，在此淺海熱泉的環境驅使怪方蟹演化出與其他生物截然不同的形態與生理機制。最近，在位於北方的日本昭和硫磺島與式根島的熱泉區也陸續發現了怪方蟹的族群。根據近期文獻與本團隊最近的基因定序的結果表明，在族群間並無顯著的分化，且龜山島族群內的基因歧異度並未高於其他族群。洋流對漂浮期幼生的輸送是海洋生物擴散與族群間基因交流的重要機制。然而，使得怪方蟹群聚於熱泉區的分布機制還不清楚。本計畫將試圖了解幼生沉降與稚蟹聚集是否受熱泉區的環境因子所驅動，以及洋流的季節變動在怪方蟹種群擴散中所扮演的角色。針對硫化物(龜山島熱泉主要的化學物質之一)，前期的行為學實驗發現怪方蟹在生殖季節的趨性具有明顯的性別雙型性；雄蟹具有的正向的趨性，而雌蟹則為顯著的負趨性。除此之外，趨性並未發現在其他的季節的成蟹。既然硫化物並非吸引怪方蟹群聚的主要因子，在之後的計畫中，我們將比對龜山島與硫磺島熱泉區的環境聲景與化學主成分分析，運用機器學習抽取兩地共有的最優勢特徵，做為熱泉棲地之環境因子，並以電生理方法量測怪方蟹對聲景與化學特徵的聽覺與嗅覺靈敏度。同時再以野外採集的怪方蟹對這些因子進行趨性測試，以找出個體群聚於熱泉區的機制。此外，將以單限制酶位點標定定序方法(RADseq)分析各族群間單核苷酸多態性(SNPs)組成差異，以分析怪方蟹族群間的基因交流的比重與方向性。此項結果將有助於釐清洋流是如何聯繫不同的怪方蟹族群。從本研究結果不但可以瞭解烏龜怪方蟹的地理分布如何形成，同也為深海熱泉生物群系如何形成及演變提供可能的假說，這些資訊將有助於未來生態永續的管理與經營。

永續影響力: 本研究結果將有助於理解洋流如何連結不同的怪方蟹族群，並提供深海熱泉生物群系形成和演變的可能假說，對未來的生態永續管理和經營具有重要意義。

Evidence:

https://r088.ntou.edu.tw/var/file/103/1103/img/1564/421423187.pdf

2. Multi-omics technologies and feed additives applied for fishery and electricity symbiosis species - the evaluation of flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in different environments of fishery and electricity symbiosis多組體學技術與飼料添加劑應用於漁電共生養殖物種-牙鮃在不同漁電共生場域下之評估

In response to the policies of climate change adaptation and net zero emission, the government wants to develop ‘solar energy’ as a vital source of clean and green energy, with ‘fishery and electricity symbiosis’ as one of the important measures. According to the report of the Fisheries Research Center in 2022, most of the cultured fish and shrimp can maintain more than 70% production capacity under 40% shading rate of photovoltaic panels. However, not all species are suitable for this purpose, so it is critical to establish a ‘fishery-electricity winwin’ culture model under the existing regulations. P. olivaceus, commonly known as flounder, have a tolerance of water temperature from 2 to 27℃, and the optimal culture temperature is between 15 and 25℃. It is a benthic fish, and the indoor recirculating aquaculture system with reduced sunlight exposure is the best cultivation mode for it. This mode can solve the problem of decreased production caused by the shading of photovoltaic panels, and at the same time, the decreased temperature caused by the shading also makes it easier for the growth of flounder. We plan to analyze the environmental information, environmental bacteria, intestinal bacteria, and metabolites for the addition of herbal extracts in different fishery and electricity symbiosis areas (outdoor ground–mounted PV systems and indoor roof PV systems). We hope to develop high economic value flounder as a cultured species for fishery and electricity symbiosis, to reduce the impact of photovoltaic panel shading on cultured organisms, and to maximize the benefits of solar energy while increasing the aquaculture production capacity.

Sustainable Impact: Our project has explored the impact of fish-solar energy coexistence environments on the cultivation of flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). In the future, we aim to cultivate high-value flatfish as a species for fish-solar integration, reducing the effects of solar panel shading on aquaculture organisms, enhancing production capacity, and maximizing the benefits of solar energy.

政府因應氣候變遷調適與淨零排放政策，欲開發「太陽能」作為乾淨、綠色的重要能源，其中「漁電共生」是重要措施之一。據水試所2022年試驗結果顯示，在40%光電板遮蔽率下，大部分的養殖魚蝦仍能維持7成以上的產能，然而並非所有物種都適合，因此在現有法規規範下開發「漁電共贏」的養殖模式是個重要的課題。牙鮃 (Paralichthys olivaceus) 俗稱比目魚，水溫耐受度從2至27℃，最適養殖溫度則在15至25℃間，屬於底棲性魚類，可降低日光的照射的室內循環水養殖方式，為牙鮃最佳的養殖模式。此模式可解決光電板遮蔽造成的產量下降問題，同時遮蔽造成的養殖溫度下降，也易於牙鮃生長。我們計畫已經成功完成牙鮃在不同漁電共生場域下（地面型室外場與屋頂型室內場）與草藥或藻類萃取物添加之環境資訊、環境菌、腸道菌與代謝體分析，了解漁電共生環境下對牙鮃養殖的影響，同時正在開發有潛力之有益共生菌，未來極有可能將高經濟價值的牙鮃作為漁電共生養殖物種，降低光電板遮蔽對養殖生物的影響，在提升養殖產能的同時將光電的效益最大化。

永續影響力: 我們的計畫已了解漁電共生環境對牙鮃養殖的影響。未來有望將高經濟價值的牙鮃作為漁電共生的養殖物種，降低光電板遮蔽對養殖生物的影響，提升養殖產能，同時最大化光電的效益。

Evidence:

https://r088.ntou.edu.tw/var/file/103/1103/img/1564/780170106.pdf

3. Investigation of Marine Biotoxins海洋生物性毒素調查研究

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is an intoxication incident caused by eating fish containing ciguatoxins (CTXs), one of the most critical marine biotoxins. Given its value to human consumption as a source of protein, some commercially significant large fish groups from coral reefs may pose a hazard to food safety, harming public health. Recently, the increasing tendency of CFP incidence due to global warming and climate change has been investigated. Hence, establishing comprehensive long-term databases is crucial for detecting CTXs and CFP and appropriate management in creating a regulation limit for CTXs. To address better management of marine biotoxins, especially CTXs, the project aims to (1) collect the international CFP incidents, laws, and regulations on analytical methods for CTXs, regulation limits, monitoring, and management programs; (2) establish a dataset on CTXs from 20 coral reef fish samples; (3) organize 2 panel forum/meetings to integrate comments and suggestions by experts from government agencies (GOs) and the academe; and (4) complete an article for risk communication and a manuscript draft for the peer-review journal. Interestingly, all the generated data will initiate a proposal to come up with conclusive information on the CTXs management plan in the futur

Sustainable Impact: Provide a reference for the management of Taiwan's marine biological toxicity policies, promoting the refinement and improvement of related policies.

隨著地球暖化和氣候變遷的大環境下，使得原本只在熱帶到亞熱帶珊瑚礁魚類引起的熱帶海魚毒中毒案例(Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, CFP)有向外擴散以及中毒頻率增加之趨勢，因此重新引起世界各國對 CFP 的普遍重視，進行相關研究及評估增訂限量標準之必要性。海洋生物毒素是海洋中有毒藻類所產生，經由海洋中之生物如貝類、魚類等水產品攝入後蓄積於該動物體內，逾食物鏈末端的人類攝食後，即可能出現中毒症狀，嚴重者可能導致致死。本計畫目的擬針對未訂有限量標準之雪卡毒素 (Ciguatoxins, CTXs) 進行野生珊瑚礁魚種及水產品背景含量之分析進行先期研究(至少 20 件)，以瞭解近年該類食品中海洋生物毒性之背景值及攝食暴露風險，並與國際間海洋生物性毒素研究資料、中毒案例、最新監測數據及管理情形相互分析，召開專家會議進行研析審議(至少 2 場)，作為我國海洋生物毒性之政策管理精進之參考依據。

永續影響力: 為我國海洋生物毒性政策的管理提供參考依據，促進相關政策的精進與完善。

Evidence:

https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/technologyContent2.aspx?id=MOHW112-FDA-F-114-000371

https://r088.ntou.edu.tw/var/file/103/1103/img/1564/317870741.pdf

4. Homemade eco-friendly enzyme cleaner and reduction of community nitrogen and phosphorus emissions自製環保酵素洗劑及減低社區氮磷排放

In early June 2023, the project team began actively preparing for two eco-friendly detergent and compost training courses held in Xinjili and Shanglinli, Shuangxi. A total of 30 community members and 2 students participated in the initiative, which promoted the use of kitchen waste (fresh fruit and vegetable peels) to create homemade eco-friendly enzyme detergents and compost, reducing food waste in the community. Together, they produced 100 liters of the products. These eco-friendly products were used for environmentally friendly farming, covering an area of approximately 3,000 square meters in 2023, with expansion planned for 2024.

Additionally, the team conducted two water quality monitoring activities at the site, as detailed in the attached file. Using both physical and chemical testing methods, the goal was to determine whether eco-friendly enzymes could reduce nitrogen and phosphorus emissions from the community, enhance the conservation of local water sources, and help maintain clean water in the Shuangxi River basin. The team also visited a nearby high school to conduct a ‘‘Sustainable Environment and Water Source Conservation in Shuangxi’’ course, promoting awareness of sustainable water conservation and the basics of river and water quality monitoring, with 65 participants in total.

Sustainable Impact: Utilize eco-friendly enzymes to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus emissions in the community, enhance the conservation benefits of local water sources, and maintain clean water in the Shuangxi River basin.

計畫團隊於2023年6月初開始積極籌備在雙溪新基里與上林里進行2場環保洗劑與環保堆肥培力課程，共30位里民、2位學生參與，推動利用廚餘(新鮮蔬果皮)自製環保酵素洗劑與環保堆肥，減少社區廚餘，共製作100公升。利用上述自製產品實施環境友善耕作，2023年實施面積約為3000平方公尺，2024持續擴增中。

同時，團隊於場域內進行2場水質監測活動，如附件檔案。透過物理性檢測與化學性檢測數據項目，判斷使用環保酵素是否可以達到減少社區氮磷排放，加強社區水源保育效益，進而維護雙溪河流域乾淨水源。同時，團隊前往場域附近高中進行「雙溪區永續環境與水源保育」課程，宣導永續環境水源保育、里川與水質監測基本知識。共65人。

永續影響力: 使用環保酵素達到減少社區氮磷排放，加強社區水源保育效益，進而維護雙溪河流域乾淨水源。

Evidence:

https://arcg.is/eKnqH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8M7sWjEFE0

https://r088.ntou.edu.tw/var/file/103/1103/img/1564/572862920.pdf

https://r088.ntou.edu.tw/var/file/103/1103/img/1564/902659086.jpg

https://r088.ntou.edu.tw/var/file/103/1103/img/1564/670461206.jpg

5. The restoration of seaweed increases coverage and enhances carbon sequestration capacity. 海藻復育，覆蓋率增加，提升固碳能量。

Assistant Professor Zhang Ruisheng from the Department of Aquaculture at NTOU has been developing marine afforestation through artificial cultivation of native Taiwanese algae species, such as Sargassum ilicifolium, Gracilaria tenuistipitata, Caulerpa lentillifera, and Eucheuma denticulatum, to absorb carbon dioxide and offset human carbon emissions in surrounding waters. Professor Zhang stated that 60% of the oxygen in the air comes from the photosynthesis of algae, which are highly effective at absorbing CO₂. The growth rate of algae in marine afforestation is several times faster than that of terrestrial plants.

He further explained that red algae, in particular, easily absorb calcium ions from the water to form calcium carbonate, making the sequestered carbon less likely to return to the atmosphere. ‘‘Currently, we have established conservation and large-scale cultivation techniques for 25 species of macroalgae, producing over 400 kilograms of seedlings annually through artificial cultivation. This reduces the pressure on marine resources and provides stable algae for further research and analysis.’’

In collaboration with the New Taipei City Government, the project is also cultivating edible algae along the northeastern coast, injecting new energy into local industries and regional revitalization. Furthermore, by cultivating native Taiwanese algae species, the project is promoting marine afforestation, absorbing CO₂, offsetting carbon emissions, and restoring ecological balance. ‘‘Cultivating algae not only reduces carbon emissions but also absorbs CO₂ to balance the ocean's pH. Algae can be converted into feed for livestock, which in turn helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, embodying a truly green approach to sustainable oceans.’’

The project has been implemented in Ma'ao Bay, Gongliao, for six years, and the algae coverage has significantly increased to 25%. In the future, the application of algae in the fishing industry is expected to further contribute to carbon reduction

Sustainable Impact: NTOU’s algae research focuses on cultivating marine forests to offset carbon emissions. In the Mao'ao Bay of Gongliao, Taiwan, underwater afforestation has been implemented for six years, significantly increasing the seaweed coverage rate to 25%.

海大水產養殖學系張睿昇合聘助理教授開發以人工培育臺灣原生藻種冬青葉馬尾藻、海木耳、小葉蕨藻及麒麟菜等，可為臺灣周邊海域進行海中造林吸收二氧化碳，抵消人類的碳排放，張助理教授表示，空氣中60%氧氣來源為藻類的光合作用，藻類吸收二氧化碳的效果非常好，海中造林海藻生長的速度是種植陸生植物的好幾倍。張睿昇合聘助理教授說：「紅藻類特別容易吸收水中的鈣離子形成碳酸鈣，這種固碳作用就更不容易回到大氣。目前，我們已經建立起25種大型海藻保種及擴大培養技術，每年透過人工養殖生產超過400公斤的藻苗，除可降低直接從海洋獲取資源的壓力，也藉由穩定培養提供後續研究、分析之用。」張睿昇合聘助理教授指出，中心更與新北市政府合作，在東北角海岸的漁港培育可食用海藻，為地方產業與創生注入新動能之餘，更積極培育臺灣原生藻種為周邊海域進行海中造林，吸收二氧化碳、抵消碳排放，更促成海洋生態復育與平衡，「養藻不僅能減碳，更吸收二氧化碳提升海水酸鹼值，將藻類轉成飼料後提供給畜牧業、能減少溫室氣體的排放，真正以綠色精神打造永續海洋。」。本計畫在貢寮卯澳灣已施行6年海中造林，目前海藻覆蓋率已大幅提升至25%。未來將進一步把藻類運用到漁業產業中，希望在全球暖化下達到循環減碳的作用。

永續影響力: 本校藻類研究，培育抵消碳排放的海洋森林，在貢寮卯澳灣已施行6年海中造林，目前海藻覆蓋率已大幅提升至25%。

Evidence:

https://www.cw.com.tw/article/5121588