1,000 kg of Fishing Nets Cleared from the Seafloor: Yilan Aims to Restore a Clean Ocean

▲ View of the sea from Guishan Island. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

By Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive Report

Marine conservation has gained increasing attention in Taiwan in recent years. To protect ocean resources, the Yilan County Government has been conducting annual underwater net removal operations in marine habitats. According to the county government, 1,000 kg of abandoned nets have been cleared over the past five years. They urge fishermen to avoid such situations and work together to preserve marine resources.

▲ Fishing nets cleared from the seabed by the Yilan County Government. (Photo / Provided by Yilan County Government)

The county government explained that abandoned nets on the seafloor are mainly caused by fishing gear being accidentally lost during offshore operations, resulting in nets covering artificial reefs and marine habitats. In 2016 alone, 95 kg of abandoned nets were removed from the waters around Yilan. In addition to continuously urging fishermen to prevent such occurrences, the county government also hopes that net removal efforts will help restore marine habitats and enhance ocean resources and biodiversity.