Hainan, an island province in south China, has opened its first institute of oceanology.

The institute will set up departments in aquaculture and oceanic fishery. It plans to have five departments and 1,000 students by 2006.

A 6,900-square-meter school building is under construction.

Hainan administers about two million square kilometers of sea, or two thirds of China's maritime reserves.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2002)