Republic of Korea will participate in an international survey in the seas off Indonesia, which is expected to serve as a milestone in cooperation between Republic of Korea and Indonesia in the field of marine science.

The Republic of Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) has announced that it will take part in an international survey of the marine ecology in the Makassar Strait/Sulawesi Sea in Indonesia. The survey will be conducted during the period from June 1 to 20 and will be hosted by the Marine Research Institute of the Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia.

Named "EWIN 2013," the survey will be completed with the cooperation of several countries including Republic of Korea, Indonesia and China. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission's Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC/WESTPAC) will sponsor the research to commemorate its 25th anniversary.

The ？？Makassar Strait/Sulawesi Sea is in the center of the Coral Triangle, which is the habitat for more than 75% of the coral species in the world and a major spawning ground for tuna.

Called "the Amazon of the Seas" for its marine biodiversity, the Coral Triangle is also a gateway to the global ocean conveyor belt and a major shipping route connecting the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

In particular, the seas off Indonesia form a hub of marine research in the Western Pacific. Republic of Korea's participation in the joint survey is not only expected to promote cooperation between Republic of Korea and Indonesia in marine science but also will pave the way for Republic of Korea to build a strong foundation for future research in those seas, which are a treasure trove of marine resources.

Dr. Lee Yun-ho of KIOST, who participates in the survey as vice chair of the IOC/WESTPAC, said, "The international survey will be devoted to shedding light on the diverse marine biological resources, including eels, in the ？？Makassar Strait/Sulawesi Sea, and the causes that have allowed the high biodiversity there.”