Sanya Oceanographic Institution (SOI) , Ocean University of China (OUC)  selected and hired advantageous teams from two world-class subjects (both A+) which are marine science and aquatic breeding, to support the innovation and development of the institute. At present, SOI has more than 80 high-level talents who have long-term work in the Hainan Province, includes Academician, Changjiang Scholar, Distinguished Young Scholar and Outstanding Young Scholar. 

Focused on "Deep Ocean",  SOI has established Center for Deep Ocean Stereo Observation and Information Service, and was approved to establish Key Laboratory of Ocean Observation and Information of Hainan Province，to support the strategy of constructing of powerful maritime nation. The center has built the worlds largest regional marine observation system, the sea-ground-air-space integrated "South China Sea Stereo Observation Network", which is achieved by utilizing a series of self-developed deep-ocean subsurface moorings as main body and integrating other sea-based, land-based air-based, and space-based observation equipments. The "South China Sea Stereo Observation Network" has realized a long-term continuous observation of the complex marine environment in the South China Sea. With the support of Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, SOI leads the building of "South China Sea Ocean Data Center" to serve the national marine security, resource development, disaster prevention and mitigation, scientific research, etc., and support the construction of powerful maritime nation and Hainan Free Trade Port.

Focusing on “Nanfan Breeding (Aquatic culture)”, SOI has established Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering and approved Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, served the national strategy of the "Blue Seed Industry" by achieving self-reliance and complete control over core aquaculture seed sources. Leveraging the advantages of the unique tropical climate and environment conducive to marine seedling production, the research team has concentrated on the exploration of superior germplasm resources and the breeding of new varieties of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) and golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). They have also worked towards the development of innovative aquaculture germplasm production platforms and the construction of a demonstration base for an integrated "conservation-breeding-examination-nursery-promotion" system. All these efforts aim to contribute to the development of the "Nanfan Silicon Valley". Through collaboration with local hatcheries, significant progress has been made in the construction of germplasm resource banks, the development of genomic breeding technologies, and the cultivation of improved varieties. These contributions have played a vital role in the high-quality and environmentally friendly development of the aquaculture seed industry.

With the special mission of providing leading talents to the national marine industry, SOI cultivates high-level and complex talents that are urgently needed in Hainan Province and future industrial development. The OUC is the pioneer to realise whole faculty members and postgraduate students stationed in Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, currently with 848 postgraduate students in Hainan Province. In the meantime, as a pilot of the comprehensive reform of postgraduate education in the construction of a first-class university,  SOI has taken full advantage of the rich experience and comprehensive strength of the Ocean University of China in the cultivation of high-level marine talents, built a high starting point to establish training programs with application-oriented marine characteristics, outstanding integration of industry and education, and first-class faculty, created a new model of "3+1" cycling education. Meanwhile, SOI has built a leading and exemplary "land-sea-air" integrated quality science and education platform, implemented an "Institute-Enterprises" joint training program, promote the integration of Industry-Education-Research, linked up the chains of education, talent, innovation and industry. Last but not least, SOI contributes to industrial transformation and upgrading of Hainan Province and supports the development of high-tech industries.