An impact analysis of destructive fishing and offshore oil barges on marine living resources in Taiwan Strait

Abstract

Coastal fishing grounds in China are suffering from stock depletion and severe ocean pollution. In response to livelihood pressures, some Chinese fishermen have begun to encroach the waters of neighboring countries to catch fisheries stock. Due to its conspicuous successes in fishery resources conservation, its natural advantages regarding fisheries stock, and geographical convenience, Taiwan is a popular destination for thousands of Chinese fishing vessels that convene to operate in Taiwanese offshore waters. This phenomenon has caused great economic losses to the Taiwanese fisheries industry, while accompanying oil barge operations have additionally created great pollution risks in these waters. To more effectively curb destructive fishing encroachment in the Taiwan Strait by Chinese fishing vessels, the government of Taiwan has re-enforced fishing laws by increasing penalties and extending the detention period for investigation. Taiwan has also enforced additional measures including port state control and air reconnaissance to regulate illegal fuel oil trading at sea. There are plans to consolidate marine affairs by establishing a single regulatory body under the Cross-Strait Agreement with responsibility for marine environment management, marine law enforcement and overseeing the topic of fishing rights.