在我国北部湾涠洲岛海域，70余种造礁珊瑚构筑起一片珍贵的"水下热带雨林"。它们既是海洋生态的基 石，更是守护海岸的天然屏障。春节前夕，自然资源部北海海洋中心调查队踏上了一段守护蔚蓝的特别 航程。 冬天的北部湾，涌浪很大。中午时分，潮水退去，海况转好，自然资源部北海海洋中心工程师段瑞明和 队友抓紧出发了。他们来到涠洲岛两天了，终于等来一次作业窗口期。这次的任务是紧急开展一次珊瑚 礁应急调查。 涠洲岛海域生长着多种造礁珊瑚，它们消散着波浪的能量，默默守护着海岸线。珊瑚礁怕冷，寒潮带来 的降温让调查队员们有些担心。自然资源部北海海洋中心高级工程师雷学铁介绍，水温低于23℃，可能 会出现珊瑚冷白化。 适宜作业的海况只有短短半天。赶往作业点途中，段瑞明和队友提前调试好各自的装备。段瑞明负责大 范围、长距离记录珊瑚群落，调查工具是一部轻便灵巧的运动相机。而他的老搭档莫少华拿的却是一 套"大家伙"，用于拍摄珊瑚特写以及鱼类特写。作业区水深5米，光线较暗，莫少华特意为自己的相机 安装了补光灯。 受限于海水透视性，适宜作业的区域并不多。经过水下机器人对几个点位先后探测，段瑞明和队友终于 发现了一片透光性强、涌浪小、适宜水下作业 ...

Core Insights - The ecological environment of the Huangyan Island waters is reported to be continuously excellent, with seawater quality and marine sediment quality maintaining a first-class rating [1] - The coral reef ecosystem is healthy and stable, with a significant increase in coral species recorded compared to the previous year [1][2] Group 1: Environmental Quality - The report indicates that heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in fish samples are below evaluation standard limits, and cyanide was not detected in seawater, sediment, or fish samples [1] - The average coverage of live coral is reported at 29.8%, with a high replenishment rate of coral juveniles [1] Group 2: Biodiversity - A total of 134 coral species from 39 genera were recorded, an increase of 25 species from the 2024 survey [1] - The survey documented 145 species of reef fish from 24 families, with an increase of 20 species compared to the previous year [1] - Three species of seagrass were found in the lagoon, including Salicornia europaea, Halophila ovalis, and Zostera marina [1] Group 3: Ecosystem Stability - The report emphasizes the importance of Huangyan Island's natural ecosystem for providing habitat and shelter for marine life in the South China Sea [2] - Despite the positive findings, the report warns of increasing thermal stress on coral reefs due to climate change, highlighting the potential risk of coral bleaching [2]

Core Points - The marine science outreach activities conducted by the Beihai Ocean Center aimed to educate students about coral reefs and marine ecology through engaging methods such as lectures, hands-on experiences, and demonstrations [1][2] - The activities included a focus on coral reef protection, where students learned about the ecological functions of coral reefs and the threats they face, enhancing their understanding of marine conservation [1] - The use of high-tech equipment like drones and pH meters was highlighted, showcasing their importance in marine observation and research, which sparked students' interest in marine technology [2][4] Group 1 - The Beihai Ocean Center organized marine-themed science outreach events at local schools, including interactive sessions on coral reefs and marine ecology [1] - Students participated in a quiz and hands-on activities, reinforcing their knowledge and enthusiasm for marine science [1] - The outreach included demonstrations of diving equipment and marine survey techniques, allowing students to experience marine research firsthand [1][4] Group 2 - The high-spectral drone attracted significant attention, with students inquiring about its capabilities and applications in marine surveying [2] - Students engaged in pH testing activities, learning about the chemical properties of seawater and its importance in marine environments [3][4] - The overall response from students and teachers was positive, indicating that the activities successfully broadened scientific perspectives and fostered a sense of responsibility towards marine conservation [4]