National Taiwan Ocean University Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology

Name：Wen-Chen Chou
Research Strengths：Coral Biology, Coral Aquaculture, Coral Restoration
Email：wcchou@mail.ntou.edu.tw
Phone No.：886-2-2462-2192 ext. 5703

Courses Taught：
●Advanced Oceanography
●Chemical Oceanography
●Analysis of Seawater Properties
●Marine Carbonate Chemistry

Academic and Professional Background：
Ph.D., Institute of Marine Geology and Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University 
Aug 2024–Present Director, Ocean Center., National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan
Aug 2007–Present Assistant Professor (2007)→ Associate Professor (2012)→ Professor (2015) → Distinguished Professor (2023) Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan
 

Honors：
●2023-present: Member of the Scientific Steering Committee for the Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR) project
●2023–present: Associate Editor of Estuaries and Coasts (ESCO)
●2023-present: Member of the Scientific Steering Committee for the Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR) project
●2023–present: Associate Editor of Estuaries and Coasts (ESCO)
●2021–present: Associate Editor of the Journal Frontiers in Marine Science (in Marine Biogeochemistry)
●2018–2024: Associate Editor of Terrestrial Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences2022–2026: Principle Investigator for the NSTC strategic project “Integrated Blue Carbon Research in the Northwest Pacific Ocean” 
●2023: Guest Chief Editor on Special Issue on Blue Carbon in the journal of Marine Research published by National Academy of Marine Research, Taiwan (ROC)
●2018–2020 and 2024-present: Reviewing Committee member, Oceanography Division, Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Development, National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (ROC)
●2020–present: Executive director, Oceanographic Society of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
●2019-present: National committee member, Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) ROC Committee

Research Overview：
Our laboratory focuses on chemical oceanography and marine carbon chemistry, integrating biogeochemical observations, experimental manipulations, and systems analysis to investigate how ocean biogeochemical processes respond to and feedback on global climate change. We seek to elucidate the dynamic regulation of the marine carbon cycle and carbonate system, including interactions among dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA), and air–sea CO₂ exchange. In particular, we examine how the coupling of organic and inorganic carbon processes influences ocean acidification buffering capacity and carbon sink function, thereby advancing understanding of the ocean’s critical role in climate regulation.
Our research also addresses carbon transformation and storage mechanisms in coastal and shallow-water ecosystems, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. We focus on how biological metabolism, sediment–water interactions, and alkalinity generation processes enhance CO₂ uptake and promote long-term carbon sequestration.
In addition, our laboratory actively develops and evaluates the scientific basis and application potential of marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) approaches. These include Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement, coastal blue carbon enhancement strategies, and alkalinity management in wastewater systems. We assess carbon removal efficiency, environmental risks, and monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) frameworks to support climate mitigation strategies and evidence-based policy development.
Through the integration of cross-scale observations, experiments, and modeling, our laboratory aims to establish quantifiable, verifiable, and policy-relevant scientific frameworks that advance ocean carbon management and the sustainable implementation of Nature-based Solutions.

Journal Publications：Google Scholar 
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=zh-TW&user=-azLZ_8AAAAJ

Website and Highlight：https://imee-choulab.mystrikingly.com/