Researchers and stakeholders from Norway, China, and beyond joined for two days of discussions on ocean sustainability, Arctic cooperation, and the balance between ocean exploitation and protection.
The China–Norway Conference 2025 brought together experts from both countries and the broader international community to explore pressing issues related to ocean sustainability.
This year’s conference, titled “Sustainable Blue Futures: Exploiting the Ocean and Protecting the Ocean,” focused on how to ensure healthy oceans while balancing the increasing demands for resources, food production, and geopolitical interests in vulnerable marine regions.
The conference was jointly organized by the Norwegian Marine University Consortium (NMU) and the China Marine University Consortium (CMUC).
Programme
Day 1 – Ocean Health and Aquaculture
Opening and Welcome – 09:00–09:15 CET / 16:00–16:15 CST
Speakers:
- Professor Nils Christian Stenseth, University of Oslo
- Professor Wang Min, Ocean University of China
Session 1: Ocean Health – 09:15–10:30 CET / 16:15–17:30 CST
Hosts:
- Professor Kong Liangliang, Ocean University of China
- Professor Daniela Pampanin, University of Stavanger
Presentations:
- Professor Augustine Arukwe, NTNU
Combined influence of pollution and climate change as drivers of biodiversity decline in the marine environment - Professor Li Chenhong, Shanghai Ocean University
Novel data filtering method resolves Chondrichthyan phylogeny - Professor Jasmine Nahrgang, UiT
Beyond PAHs and fish early life stages: Rethinking oil toxicity in the ocean - Researcher Wan Yi, Hainan University
Microorganism monitoring technology and its application in marine environmental security
Break – 10:30–10:45 CET / 17:30–17:45 CST
Session 2: Aquaculture – 10:45–12:00 CET / 17:45–19:00 CST
Hosts:
- Professor Øyvind Fiksen, University of Bergen
- Professor Weiqun Lyu, Shanghai Ocean University
Presentations:
- Professor Zhang Wenbo, Shanghai Ocean University
Aquaculture transformation in Asia and the Pacific region - Professor Muk Chen Ong, University of Stavanger
Numerical modelling of offshore aquaculture cages: Challenges and solutions - Professor Tian Tao, Dalian Ocean University
Exploring sustainable fisheries models: Construction and development of modern marine ranching - Associate Professor Anna Solvang Båtnes, NTNU
Parasitic salmon lice in Norwegian aquaculture – the problem and potential solutions
Discussion and Summary – 12:00–12:30 CET / 19:00–19:30 CST
Speakers:
- Professor Wang Min, Ocean University of China
- Professor Nils Christian Stenseth, University of Oslo
Day 2 – Arctic Research and Ocean Governance
Introduction Day 2 – 09:00–09:05 CET / 16:00–16:05 CST
Speakers:
- Professor Wang Min, Ocean University of China
- Professor Nils Christian Stenseth, University of Oslo
Session 3: The Arctic – 09:05–10:20 CET / 16:05–17:20 CST
Hosts:
Professor Zhou Meng, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Professor Jørgen Berge, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
Presentations:
- Professor Marit Reigstad, UiT
The Nansen Legacy (2018–2024): Exploring a changing Barents Sea through research collaboration - Professor Cheng Xiao, Sun Yat-sen University
IBRV Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di: Research activities and potential international collaborations in polar regions - Professor Jørgen Berge, UiT
Arctic Ocean 2050 – a 10-year national research programme - Postdoctoral Dong Huizi, UCLA
Warm rings in mesoscale eddies in a cold straining ocean
Break – 10:20–10:35 CET / 17:20–17:35 CST
Session 4: Ocean Governance – 10:35–11:50 CET / 17:35–18:50 CST
Hosts:
- Professor Nils Christian Stenseth, University of Oslo
- Professor Peiqing Guo, Ocean University of China
Presentations:
- Professor Zhao Long, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies
Arctic shipping cooperation amid evolving global dynamics: Emerging challenges and priorities - Professor Mark John Costello, Nord University
Myths and misunderstandings about marine protected areas - Professor Deng Beixi, Polar Research Institute of China
Navigating the balance between conservation and sustainable development in the Arctic Ocean - Professor Rashid Sumaila, University of British Columbia
MPAs as ocean anchors and stabilizers in a changing ocean
Discussion and Closing – 11:50–12:30 CET / 18:50–19:30 CST
Speakers:
- Professor Nils Christian Stenseth, University of Oslo
- Professor Wang Min, Ocean University of China