Scientists from six universities in Hong Kong have joined forces to set up a national-level laboratory that will research marine protection and biological resources on the mainland.
The Ministry of Science and Technology earlier this month approved the universities' plan to launch the State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution.
State Key Laboratories are recognised by the central government and receive funding from it for their research.
The six universities are City University, Baptist University, Chinese University, Polytechnic University, University of Science and Technology, and University of Hong Kong.
According to City University, which leads the consortium, the partnership will focus on developing chemical, biological and engineering technologies for the early detection, assessment, prediction and control of pollution in the marine environment.
It will address complex environmental issues related to toxic chemical pollution, biological toxins and aquatic pathogenic bacteria. It will also look at pollution-monitoring technology, impact studies on marine ecosystems and risk assessment, City University said.