TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese fishery experts highlighted on Friday (July 5) that fishermen face growing challenges as marine resources deplete, leading them to take risks and fish across borders. They explain that the possible dwindling marine resources compel fishermen to venture further afield.
On Tuesday, a Penghu-registered (澎湖籍) vessel, Dah Jihn Maan No. 88 (大進滿88號), was seized by a Chinese coast guard ship near Fujian's Weitou Harbor citing illegal bottom trawling and crossing borders during a fishing moratorium. Earlier today, a Keelung-registered (基隆八斗子籍) vessel, Fu Yang No. 266 (福洋266號), was also detained by a Japanese fisheries agency ship 288 nautical miles northeast of Pengjia Islet.
Fan Te-cheng (樊德正), head of the Fisheries and Husbandry Section of the Kinmen County Government (金門縣政府漁牧科), explained that fish stocks are migratory, so fishermen follow traditional fishing grounds. In addition, a local fisherman surnamed Li argued that Taiwan's declining international status often results in fishermen being caught crossing borders.
Kinmen County Councilor Tung Sen-pao (董森堡) argued that Taiwan should establish clear policies regarding fishing seasons and methods with neighboring countries. He emphasized the need for cooperation. Tung also pointed out that Taiwanese fishermen often fish in nearby Chinese waters due to fewer competing vessels during China's fishing bans.
