Returning from a 115-day Antarctic voyage, the 771-ton Hai Kung research vessel and her crew received a welcome from people and leaders of the Republic of China. This first Antarctic venture of free China was a success despite the smallness of the ship and the use of domestically produced equipment. Members of the crew were praised for their confidence, courage and perseverance. They faced the trial of gales, heavy seas and icebergs for weeks on end. Research achievements were attributed to the cooperation of oceanographers and experts on fishery. The Hai Kung brought back to Keelung 136 tons of krill, a shrimp which inhabits Antarctic waters in large numbers. Scientists aboard the Hai Kung carried out studies of Antarctic fishing resources and conducted experiments in the processing of these marine products.
These were viewed as the most significant points in the Hai Kung's voyage: (l) First vessel of the Republic of China to explore the Antarctic. (2) Third country in the world to fish for krill in the Antarctic. The other two are the Soviet Union and Japan. (3) Collection of information and specimens that will be useful in oceanography and fishery and that will further research in the environment and ecology of the Antarctic. (4) Research ship results comparable with those of industrially advanced countries, indicating that with an improved vessel, even more worthwhile results could be obtained. (5) Successful design of middle class drag nets and fishing methods by Chinese scientists. These achievements are expected to increase the confidence of fishery researchers.
[Picture Caption]
Research Ship Hai Kung at sea
Probing the deep of water for fishing nets
Hai Kung research vessel, which visited Antarctic
Crew of Hai Kung catching krill in nets
Icy mountain of the Antarctic
Passing a school of whales
The dawn of another day
Analysis of chlorophyll to determine the direction in which krill are moving
Crew members wave national flags as they view the Antarctic.
Hai Kung leaves Cape Town, South Africa, for Antarctica
Marine product experiment aboard Hai Kung
Krill are packed for frozen storage.
Reception to thank Cape Town officials for assistance
Making the krill into a sauce
Enjoying the fresh krill
Crew and scientists receive a warm welcome home at Keelung
Research Ship Hai Kung at sea
Probing the deep of water for fishing nets
Crew of Hai Kung catching krill in nets
Passing a school of whales
Icy mountain of the Antarctic
Measure the chlorophyll composition in seawater specimens to estimate the position of shrimp groups
Crew members wave national flags as they view the Antarctic
Hai Kung leaves Cape Town, South Africa, for Antarctica
Marine product experiment abroad Hai Kung
Krill are packed for frozen storage
Making the krill into a sauce
Reception to thank Cape Town officials for assistance
Crew and scientists receive a warm welcome home at Keelung