A group of young scientists in China are developing an innovative solution to monitor and protect fragile coral reef ecosystems - a biomimetic robot designed to mimic a manta ray.
About 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered by oceans. Coral reefs, often called "underwater tropical rainforests," are crucial to marine ecosystems in maintaining ecological balance, but they face numerous threats.
Traditional methods of observation using propeller-driven underwater vehicles can potentially damage these delicate environments, the developer of the bionic fish robot told China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The biomimetic manta ray project represents a promising intersection of robotics, marine biology, and conservation efforts. By leveraging biomimetic technology, researchers hope to provide a less invasive method for studying and protecting coral reefs.
"Coral reefs are fragile and sensitive. The way we observe and protect coral reefs is very important. If we use a traditional propeller-driven underwater vehicle to observe them, it can significantly impact or even damage the coral reefs and the coral reef ecosystem," said Qu Yilin, a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern Polytechnical University.
The team chose to model their robot after a manta ray due to its superior maneuverability in water.
"In developing this biomimetic fish, we studied many different species. Each has its distinctive features. A manta ray can swim forwards and backwards, execute tight turns, dive, and even perform backflips. Overall, with its stability and flexibility, it was the best of all the subjects we studied," Qu said.
Analyzing the problems of biomimetic submersibles required Qu and his team to create a new theoretical framework.
Despite these challenges, Qu and his team are optimistic about their work, as they are fortunate to be living in an era with such excellent research tools, and so many new directions for the research.
Although coral reefs make up less than one percent of the ocean floor, they support about 25 percent of all marine species.
Researchers create biomimetic manta ray to help protect coral reef
China's push toward a greener future is once again in the spotlight at this year's annual political "two sessions", as lawmakers are reviewing a draft ecological environment code, a significant step toward establishing a comprehensive legal framework for ecological protection.
The draft code was submitted on March 5 to the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, for deliberation.
Once adopted, it will become China's second formal statutory code, after the Civil Code, which was adopted in 2020.
The rule of law has been continuously strengthened to support the country's green progress. China already has more than 30 laws related to environmental protection, along with over 100 sets of administrative regulations and more than 1,000 sets of local rules.
The latest legislative move comes amid China's historic gains in ecological conservation over the past decade or so. Championing green development, the country has recorded the world's fastest growth in forest resources and afforestation, led globally in renewable energy development, and achieved one of the fastest national reductions in energy intensity worldwide.
The 1,242-article draft has five chapters, covering areas including pollution control, ecological protection, and green and low-carbon development.
Scholars involved in drafting the legislation say the code goes beyond broad legal principles. It is also designed to address environmental issues that affect people's daily lives.
"Electric vehicles are becoming very common in China. My family has one. We all think it environment-friendly. But have you ever thought about this question: how do we deal with the first generation of EV batteries after they expire a few years later? The same goes for wind turbine blades and solar panels," said Ding Lin, assistant professor of the Renmin University of China.
China's environmental progress has drawn global attention in recent years, from improving air quality to expanding renewable energy. Yet amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, some observers have questioned whether the country will maintain the same pace of green transition.
"Last year during the COP30, even some friends who are very familiar with China asked me whether China will continue its green development path. I told them we have gradually worked out new policies. We have a very clear direction and goal. In a world full of uncertainties, we are providing the most certainty," said Wang Yi, an NPC deputy from east China's Zhejiang Province and professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
In a country pursuing modernization, taking the time to codify environmental laws sends a clear message: economic growth and environmental protection are not a trade-off to be managed, but a commitment to be upheld. For China, a beautiful environment is not a luxury for the future, it is a right for the present, and a responsibility to the next generation.
"This code reflects China's vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. It shows how development and environmental protection can move forward together," said Lyu Zhongmei, vice chair of the NPC Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee.
China will accelerate the green transition across the board and cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of the GDP by a total of 17 percent in the 2026-2030 period, according to a draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development submitted to the NPC for deliberation on March 5.
Chinese lawmakers review draft ecological environment code in major green legislative push
