The Editor says: Taiwan is an ocean nation. As the recreational scuba diving population continues to grow, issues such as balancing tourism with ecology and the development of the diving industry are drawing increasing attention. Today (the 26th), the Legislative Yuan's Interior Committee heard questions on ocean-related issues from legislators including Lo Mei-ling, Chuang Jui-hsiung, Huang Shih-chieh, and Chen Chiao-hua. Follow the Editor for the latest updates on Taiwan's ocean policy!
Ecological Alarm Bells Ringing for Xiaoliuqiu
The Legislative Yuan's Interior Committee convened today (the 26th), with Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Chairperson Kuan Bi-ling appearing to deliver a report and field questions. In response to the ecological alarm being raised over Xiaoliuqiu and its overwhelming tourist numbers, Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung stated bluntly: "For the sake of Xiaoliuqiu's sustainability, this can't go unaddressed — but locals don't dare mention controls because they'd get torn apart for it." He called on Kuan to help find a way forward. Kuan agreed that coordinating visitor capacity limits is indeed necessary, emphasizing that the OAC should "play the bad guy" and "speak up louder," and pledged: "If it comes to it, I will personally chair the meeting."
Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung cited an environmental group survey report indicating that coral coverage at Xiaoliuqiu had declined at four out of six surveyed sites and was non-functional at one. He noted that the local community needs tourism, but fears a "killing the goose that lays the golden egg" scenario — where more visitors lead to further environmental degradation, ultimately driving tourists away. He called on the OAC to convene meetings with the Pingtung County Government and local agencies to coordinate and implement necessary controls. Kuan responded that intertidal zone capacity controls are already in place and that coordination will continue — suggesting that Xiaoliuqiu may see more comprehensive and nuanced visitor capacity management in the future.
Reviewing Marine Guide Activities Across Other Water Zones
In addition, citing Ministry of Health and Welfare statistics showing 321 accidental drowning cases in 2022, Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung recommended further classifying these incidents by type of water activity to better understand where accidents are occurring, and proposed exploring the feasibility of a "marine guide" system. Kuan noted that guide frameworks are already being planned for scuba diving and river tracing, and that other suitable activities will be reviewed for potential inclusion. She also mentioned that the budget for water recreation safety promotion has been doubled for next year, with the aim of reducing accident risks.
Legislator Lo Mei-ling raised particular concerns about marine sports safety and insurance, citing the case of a freediving competition in March of this year that was refused standard coverage and ultimately secured only public liability insurance. Kuan explained that insurance companies currently consider the available data insufficient to assess and actuarially price the risk, and that for the time being, events will be assisted on a "case-by-case basis" when it comes to obtaining coverage.
Lo Mei-ling also asked about the jurisdictional responsibilities for marine sports. Kuan responded that marine sports will fall under the management of the Ministry of Education's Sports Administration, while marine leisure activities will be overseen by the Tourism Administration. To support the overall industry, the OAC will continue to serve as a coordination hub — as it did in September, when it held an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss issues including whether a guide certification system is needed.
The BlueTrend editorial team will continue to monitor the latest developments in ocean policy — including ongoing legislative discussions — and bring ocean enthusiasts more timely coverage. We invite you to register as a member and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.
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