Five laboratories in China and Korea participated in the nutrient intercalibration exercise. This activity was aimed to enhance analytical capacity and compare results from different labs and countries for better future comparison of data. The labs were provided with Standard Reference Materials of various nutrients in sea water, and had to analyse the references. The results have been submitted to the Queensland Health Scientific Services, Australia, for processing. Each lab will be informed of its analysis results with recommendations on how to improve the analytical skills. The labs will apply the recommendations in the second round of this exercise, scheduled to take place during the middle of the year.