Project Updates

Q4 2024

• Dr. Berchie Asiedu visits Dr. Ling Cao at Xiamen University. Find out more.
• UBC Work Learn Student Duncan Murray produced an article about the China Case Study with Dr. Yue Liu: How mariculture can help save our oceans
• William provided an update on his visit to Xiamen University in China, fostering potential collaborations on aquaculture research.

Q3 2024

• No major updates.

Q2 2024

• China case study update: Daniel (Yue Liu) focusing on providing scientific evidence of seaweed harvesting impact on local biodiversity using environmental DNA approaches.
• Three survey sites: Xia’pu County, Lian’jiang County, and Liu’ao County.
• Analysis of data completed recently.
• No significant alpha diversity change among different farming areas detected.
• Some unique MOTUs found, with higher ratio in algae aquaculture areas.
• Community structure analyzed using AMDS and ANOVA method.
• Survey area and farming season significantly impact local fish community structure.
• Log photo change used to detect dominant species in seaweed farming areas.
• Network analysis based on biological correlation conducted, showing stronger connections in seaweed farming areas.
• Module hubs identified in seaweed farming areas but not in other areas.
• pH value and turbidity identified as dominant environmental factors affecting seaweed farm biodiversity in farming seasons.
• Temperature identified as main factor driving biodiversity change in non-farming seasons.
• William finds the diversity of case studies and methods used interesting.
• Different case studies employ various methods, including natural and social science approaches.
• Suggests potential collaboration to explore a mix of methods to address overarching questions.
• Daniel agrees on the potential connections between natural and social science aspects.

Q1 2024

• Daniel (Yue Liu) prepared a presentation titled the “Developing Agriculture for Food Climate Mitigation and Biodiversity.”
• The research aims for the Chinese case study have been refined.
  • The first aim involves modeling the potential of global soil carbon sequestration, focusing on spatial expansion.
  • The second aim centers around modeling the interaction between global soil carbon sequestration and climate change, considering both mitigation and adaptation in farming practices.
  • The third aim is to provide scientific evidence regarding the impact of soil carbon sequestration on local biodiversity, using the Edna method.
• They have recently completed a new paper titled “Achieving Environmental Goals by Forming Series on Ignorable Challenges by Ocean Warming.”
• The second paper focuses on field monitoring of biodiversity factors in Seaweed Farming. It presents a comprehensive raw fish belt diversity dataset with an appropriate experimental design. 
• Additionally, they have developed a new EDA preprocessing pipeline software.
• Conclusions drawn from their work indicate significant potential for ecosystem services provision through the expansion of soil carbon sequestration. However, ocean warming may reduce suitable farming areas at lower latitudes while expanding them at higher latitudes. They are also considering an experimental design.
• Another project involves Collaborative Research on Agriculture Consequences in Ghana, led by Dr. Ling Cao; Dr. Berchie Asiedu from the University of Ghana is part of this project. The project’s title is “Assessing the Potential Ecological Consequences of Agriculture on Lake Water and its Implications for the Livelihoods of Local Communities.”
• Rashid Sumaila proposed that China write a paper discussing their learnings—what works versus what doesn’t.
  • Daniel agrees and will check with Ling Cao regarding this proposal.