China is building a databank for oceanic biological resources of potential medical use, accordingly to sources with the State Oceanic Administration (SOA). 　　

Started in 1999, the databank has gleaned over 900 varieties of specimens of fish, micro-organism, algae and other oceanic life, and will continue to expand its collection in the coming years.

The databank is jointly sponsored by the SOA's No.3 Oceanic Research Institute and the Qingdao University. Its resources will be accessible to the public.

(Xinhua News Agency February 11)