Just 5km from the stranded cargo ship！ Oil booms protect Laomei’s green stone grooves as emerald scenery returns

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / New Taipei City

From February to May each year, the Laomei Stone Grooves in Shimen Township on Taiwan’s northern coast are blanketed in green algae. The unique ridge-and-groove landforms, coupled with the vibrant green hues, create one of the most iconic natural wonders of the northern coastline. Currently, the algae have grown to about 40% coverage, making it an ideal time for visitors to enjoy the scenery during the Qingming holiday.

▲ The green stone grooves in Laomei have currently grown to about 40% coverage. (Photo by reporter Chen Ruizhong, the same below)

The stone groove terrain in Laomei is primarily a landscape formed by the long-term weathering of volcanic rocks and erosion by sea waves. The winding sea erosion trenches, running perpendicular to the coastline, possess a natural linear beauty. When the waves roll in, the white foam and green stone grooves complement each other, creating a spectacle that is a must-shoot for many photography enthusiasts and also an excellent natural ecological classroom.

▲ The green stone grooves scattered along the coastline are an iconic attraction of the northern shore.

Currently, the area of the Laomei tidal flats near Fugui Cape Lighthouse has already shown noticeable greenery, while other areas continue to grow. Since the green stone grooves are only visible during low tide, visitors can check the tide schedule for Shimen in advance on the website of the Central Weather Bureau.

▲ The wrecked hull of the cargo ship can still be seen in the green stone grooves area.

This year, the northern coast has been affected by the oil spill incident caused by the stranding of the cargo ship. Many people are concerned that the Laomei Stone Grooves, located just 5 kilometers away, might be damaged. According to the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, the algae, which have a growth period of about two months, have already grown for over a month. Oil booms were promptly deployed at sea after the ship ran aground, protecting the area from the impact of the oil spill.

▲ Personnel in white protective suits are inspecting floating oil contaminants along the shore.

However, to prevent ecological damage, as of today (March 31), white-clad cleaning personnel can still be seen carefully patrolling the area around the stone grooves for oil contamination. According to the cleaning staff, they have been coming to clean the coastline for several consecutive days and expect to complete their work today.

%Photographers have been taking numerous photos of the green stone grooves and the white-suited workers.