XIAMEN: Aidah Baloch, a promising PhD scholar from Gwadar who is currently studying at the Ocean University of China, brought laurels to Pakistan by winning the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award at the 2025 Summer School on Climate Change and Ocean Health held at Xiamen University from June 30 to July 9.
Competitive sessions at the event saw young researchers present innovative work on blue carbon sequestration, bioaccumulation of pollutants and environmental DNA technology. A total of 11 outstanding poster awards and 9 oral presentation awards were given to encourage students to pursue excellence in scientific research.
Her winning presentation, titled “Assessment of the Fish Stock Status of the Spangled Emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) Along the Coast of Balochistan, Pakistan”, stood out among nearly 70 participants from top universities and research institutions across the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan of China.
“This award is a dream come true and reflects the exceptional research environment China provides for international students,” Aidah told Gwadar Pro elatedly. “As a Pakistani scholar studying marine sciences in China, I’ve had access to world-class facilities and mentorship that have transformed my research capabilities. This summer school at Xiamen University has particularly enhanced my understanding of cutting-edge approaches to marine conservation.”
The intensive 10-day program features lectures and workshops by leading experts on five key themes: global climate change, marine ecotoxicology, ocean health and sustainability, environmentally innovative technologies and air-sea interactions. Participants also gained hands-on experience during a field trip to the Taiwan Straits Marine Ecosystem National Observation Station in Fujian, where they studied mangrove ecosystems and marine observation techniques.
“My research on the Spangled Emperor fish stocks is particularly relevant for Balochistan’s coastal communities who depend on these fisheries,” Aidah explained. “The methodologies I’ve learned in China, especially in ecosystem monitoring and sustainable resource management, will be invaluable when I return to Pakistan. The summer school’s focus on practical solutions to ocean health challenges has given me new perspectives to apply in my home region.” –Agencies
