The present cooperation between fisheries institutions in China and Norway was initiated in 1980 by the donation of a fisheries research vessel from the Government of Norway. The vessel, named "Bei Dou", arrived in Qingdao in October 1984, starting a long lasting cooperation between the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute and the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen, Norway." Bei Dou" was equipped for multipurpose research, but had special acoustic instruments for quantitative studies of fish resources. The vessel started investigations in the Yellow Sea and discovered very soon the presence of a large stock of anchovy. This determined the focus of the "Bei Dou" Project for many years to come. As a first step, the studies concentrated on mapping of the anchovy distribution in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea and on measuring the size of the anchovy stock. On the job training in the use of acoustic survey methods was provided and young scientists from the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute were also given formal education at the University of Bergen. The next step was aimed at catching the anchovy. A number of experiments were conducted to develop a two boat pelagic trawl that could be operated in offshore areas by the existing Chinese fishing fleet. The work was carried out in close contact with fishing companies, and the new trawl was adopted within a rather short time. As the "Bei Dou" investigations showed that anchovy was abundantly available, seminars and workshops were arranged to provide information on alternative use of anchovy. The emphasis was on production of high quality fishmeal and fish silage since the marine aquaculture, particularly the farming of shrimp, was growing rapidly and demanded increased quantities of protein rich feed. By about 1993 the Project shifted in direction from scientific and technical research and training to include topics related to fisheries management and environmental protection. Spurred by the expanding landings of anchovy, analyses were made on the long term annual yield of anchovy and discussions raised on the need to introduce some fisheries management regulations in order to avoid over exploitation and possible collapse of the stock. This and other management issues dominated the Project during the last 5 year period. Norwegian experts, particularly from the Directorate of Fisheries, have participated in a series of seminar organised by the Bureau of Fisheries covering topics in fisheries management such as management objectives, fisheries law, statistics, inspection and coastal zone management. At the same time, workshops have been held at the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute to prepare assessments of fish resources and provide advice to central government authorities on fisheries management. Project evaluations have demonstrated that the "Bei Dou" Project in its various phases has made important contributions to the development of fisheries in China. It has also brought together scientists, technicians and administrators from China and Norway in fruitful cooperation, thus expanding their professional and cultural knowledge for mutual benefit. NORAD has offered to support continued cooperation between fisheries institutions in Norway and China and a Project Document for 2001 2005 has been prepared. The Project will during the nearest years provide information on the Norwegian experience related to establishing and managing fisheries in Exclusive Economic Zones. This will continue the well established fisheries cooperation beyond the twenty years marked by the present "Bei Dou" Seminar in Qingdao.
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