Species are gradually disappearing！Yuelingwei Intertidal Zone on Xiao Liuqiu Implements Visitor Quota System

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei

Xiao Liuqiu is one of Taiwan’s popular domestic tourist destinations, but the large number of visitors has gradually strained its environment. According to statistics, the annual number of visitors arriving by boat to Xiao Liuqiu increased from 400,000 in 2005 to nearly 100,000 per year, reaching 1.035 million visitors to the island in 2013. To protect the ecological resources of Liuqiu Township, a second visitor quota zone will be established at Yuelingwei Intertidal Zone starting July 10, with the number of visitors limited to 300 at a time.


▲ Snorkeling in Xiao Liuqiu offers a chance to see green sea turtles swimming freely. (Photo provided by Chen Congji)

According to research by Associate Professor Luo Liuchi’s team from National Kaohsiung Normal University, the current number of organisms per square meter in Yuelingwei Intertidal Zone is less than four, though some rare new species still remain, such as the Lisa big-eyed crab and the Phantom Hidden Crab, discovered last year. These species are crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of Xiao Liuqiu, making visitor management essential to ensure their survival. It is also hoped that the intertidal zone's ecosystem can gradually recover. The most popular activity for visitors on Xiao Liuqiu is observing intertidal life, with peak daily visitor numbers reaching up to 2,500 during summer vacation. Due to long-term trampling by visitors, the organisms in Yuelingwei Intertidal Zone have gradually disappeared.

To maintain the quality of visitors’ intertidal experiences, the county government has planned a visitor quota system for Yuelingwei Intertidal Zone, similar to that at Shanfu Intertidal Zone, limiting the number of visitors to 300 at a time. The Agriculture Department stated that during low tide periods, the turnover rate of visitors is three times the number of people on-site, estimating that close to 900 visitors will still enter daily. It is hoped that reducing visitor numbers by two-thirds will lessen the recreational impact on the intertidal zone.

Visitors entering Shanfu and Yuelingwei Intertidal Zones must be accompanied by certified guides who have received rigorous training and hold permits issued by Pingtung County Government. These guides lead intertidal observation activities. In addition to sharing fascinating knowledge about intertidal organisms and enhancing the visitor experience, guides also help ensure visitor safety and the conservation of intertidal species, achieving a balance between tourism and environmental protection.

In addition, the county government is actively planning to improve the environment around Yuelingwei Intertidal Zone by eliminating wastewater discharge into the area, tidying up the scattered rocky beaches, and beautifying the surrounding landscape. The goal is for visitors to Xiao Liuqiu to enjoy a new and memorable recreational experience.