Guangdong Ocean University (GDOU; simplified Chinese: 广东海洋大学; traditional Chinese: 廣東海洋大學; pinyin: Guǎngdōng hǎiyáng dàxué) was established 70 years ago for providing courses in Oceanography and maritime sciences. It is situated in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, China. Guangdong Ocean University was originally setup as Zhanjiang Ocean University on October 1, 1997. It was merger of the 62 year old Zhanjiang Fishery College and the 39 year Zhanjiang Agricultural Academy. In 1998, the university was granted permission to offer master's degrees and enrol foreign students. In 1999, the university passed the Undergraduate Teaching Qualification Assessment conducted by the Education Ministry of China. In 2003, it passed the Nautical Education and Training Quality System Examination and Authentication certified from the National Maritime Bureau. In 2001, Zhanjiang Meteorological School with 48 years of history was merged into the Zhanjiang Ocean University giving it a comprehensive depth in Oceanic and Meteorological expertise.