On September 15, during the International Conference on Marine Environmental Management in Taipei, Kuan Bi-ling, the Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), condemned Chinese fishers for employing harmful cyanide fishing techniques and urged adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Her remarks came in the wake of an incident where Taiwan’s Coast Guard seized a Chinese vessel illegally operating near Dongsha Island in the South China Sea, which was found carrying cyanide.
Cyanide fishing is a detrimental practice where sodium cyanide is sprayed into marine habitats to stun fish for capture. This method not only jeopardizes targeted species but also harms other marine life, including coral reefs, leading to broader ecological consequences. Minister Kuan highlighted the necessity for all nations to observe UNCLOS guidelines, reaffirming Taiwan’s commitment to defending its maritime territory against such violations of international law.
In her address, Kuan announced that Taiwan plans to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities. The initiative will begin with the development of drones and will eventually expand to include manned aircraft. This upgrade underscores Taiwan’s proactive approach to safeguarding its waters from illicit fishing activities.
Additionally, Kuan revealed that the OAC’s National Ocean Policy White Paper would be released by the end of the month. This document, mandated by the Ocean Basic Act, serves as an annual blueprint for Taiwan’s ocean policies, delineating its vision for marine development and specific policy objectives.
The conference served as a platform for collaboration, gathering 27 experts from various countries, including the United States, France, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India, along with Taiwanese academics. Key discussions revolved around issues such as marine environmental protection, pollution control, waste management, and international cooperation in these domains.
One significant outcome of the conference was the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Taiwan and Indonesia aimed at enhancing cooperation on marine debris management. This partnership is designed to establish a firm foundation for sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing marine environmental challenges through collaboration and shared responsibility.
In summary, Minister Kuan’s statements at the conference highlighted the urgent need to combat harmful fishing practices and reinforced Taiwan’s dedication to international maritime law and environmental protection, while also setting the stage for future collaborations on marine sustainability.
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