Savor the Sweet Taste of the Pacific – The East Coast Marlin Season Has Arrived

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Chenggong Township in Taitung County, which focuses on marine development, is known for its iconic billfish spearfishing culture. The marlin caught here are renowned for their delicious meat. Aside from supplying local and national restaurants, the marlin are highly sought after by discerning Japanese consumers who value quality — to the point where demand outstrips supply, making them a hot export commodity. Taitung County’s annual winter event, the “East Coast Marlin Festival,” celebrates the region’s unique fishing culture. Now in its 12th edition since 2001.


▲ The Chenggong Marlin Festival, centered around marine culture, is now in its 12th year since 2001. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

The Taitung County Agriculture Department noted that this year’s marlin catch has reached 594 metric tons, with tuna also totaling 564 metric tons. Now is the perfect time to enjoy the freshest and sweetest flavors of the Pacific. The Xin’gang Fishing Port in Chenggong Township, Taitung County, brings in freshly caught fish every afternoon. From late October to December each year, the port attracts many seafood lovers eager to indulge in marlin dishes.

Marlin are high-protein fish, rich in premium protein and high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids — the highest among all fish species. They are a healthy seafood choice, being high in protein, low in fat, and low in calories. They also contain large amounts of EPA, an essential nutrient for the human brain, and DHA, which has anti-clotting properties that help prevent myocardial infarction and blood clots.


▲ Rich in high-quality protein, marlin are a healthy, low-calorie seafood option. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

The 2012 East Coast Marlin Festival will take place on Sunday, November 25, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Chenggong Township. The event includes a Billfish King Competition, a marlin gourmet feast, marlin auctions, Billfish King award ceremonies, song and dance performances, fishermen’s karaoke celebrations, quizzes, and a food street. The marlin gourmet feast features 10 signature marlin dishes, one soup, and two bottles of beverage. The banquet will be held at 12:00 PM on November 25, 2011, at the Seaside Park Plaza in Chenggong Township.