On April 2, NIFS announced that it signed MOU with the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) for the development of research on climate change and marine ecosystem protection. 

The MOU was drawn up to strengthen research capacity in the field of oceans and polar through the two institutes' research information exchange and cooperation. 

NIFS is conducting research on the impact of changes in the marine environment; utilization and management of fisheries resources; and assessment of marine ecosystem health. 

As to KOPRI, it is conducting basic and applied sciences in Arctic and Antarctic base; and operating its polar infrastructure including base stations. 

By signing the MOU, the two institutes proceed to make concerted efforts in joint response to the scientific matters of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR); study on climate change in marine ecosystem by melting glaciers in Arctic; joint respond to the scientific matters of agreement to prevent unregulated high seas fisheries in the central arctic oceans (CAOFA); distribution and ecological research on marine mammals in the polar sea areas; standardization and exchange of genome data on marine organism, etc. 

The MOU is expected to contribute to expanding Korea's influence in the central arctic ocean ahead, as well as the preservation of oceans and polar ecosystem and climate change respond.