PINGTUNG (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Lai Ching-te on Friday (Dec. 1) attended a marine conservation event at Houbihu, Hengchun Township, where he witnessed healed sea turtles being returned to the ocean.
The event, hosted by the Marine Animals Rescue Network (MARN), highlighted efforts to rescue and rehabilitate injured marine protected species, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Since its inception four years ago, MARN has successfully released 393 recovered marine animals back into the wild.
Ocean Affairs Council Director-General Kuan Bi-ling emphasized the integration of resources from various agencies and experts to establish MARN, which now operates six stations across Taiwan.
"This team offers migrating whales and sea turtles a level of care comparable to five-star medical tourism. This is a significant and proud mission," Kuan remarked.
This year alone, Kuan reported that 23 whales, dolphins, and 163 sea turtles have been released, with seven turtles equipped with satellite transmitters to monitor their migratory paths.
Kuan highlighted that the rescue efforts have uncovered frequent instances of marine debris inside the stomachs of turtles, bringing attention to the issue of ocean pollution.
To honor and recognize the dedication of the rescue teams, Lai Ching-te was specially invited to witness and acknowledge their work at the release event, where he presented letters of appreciation.
Currently, 11 stranded and injured sea turtles are under care at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium.
Lai emphasized the importance of a national marine policy, calling it a symbol of civilization, and urged the public to actively engage in marine conservation to protect natural resources and marine ecosystems.
