Fishing Industry

25. The fishing industry is very developed, with our fishing ships operating in the high seas, or utilizing the fish resources of coofriendlyation nations, throughout the world. Annual production including that of aquaculture reached over 1.28 million metric tons, substantially satisfying domestic demand and providing large exports.

26. To accommodate this growing industry of the main fisheries besides investing in fishing harbors, wholesale markets, modern gear, and other infrastructure, the government has been guiding the industry in adapting to changing times and environments with conservation views and measures accepted worldwide.

27. Taiwan is a world leader in aquaculture. The government has set aside areas suitable for aquaculture development, promoted automation, encouraged the use of biotechnology and improved the sales network. Taiwan is surrounded by sea, so mariculture, especially for oysters and marine fin fishes cage culture, is getting its share of attention as well. Subsistence fishery is the main component of coastal and inshore fisheries, especially managed by the combination of conservation and utilization principles for fish resources. In total, there are 25 fish resources conservation areas, 64 locations artificial reefs and 46 conservation reef zones. In order to promote stock-enhanced marine fisheries, artificial releases of fish fingerlings will be applied to such projects.

28. The development of new propagation techniques, wedded to strong demand, has made mariculture an important aquaculture category in Taiwan.

29. Eels are a high value product suitable for intensive pond farming using mixed feeds. The main export market for eel is Japan, and eel farming is at the top of the fisheries industry in terms of export value, exceeding US$400 million.