Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling announced the council’s policies and goals for 2025 while praising its success last year Jan. 22 at a press conference in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.
The OAC will promote marine scientific research that also takes disaster prevention and national security maintenance into account for the new year, Kuan said, citing a large new survey ship that can help scientists conduct research into the whole of the country’s marine territory, and an eight-year research plan with a budget of NT$20 billion (US$ 610.4 million).
Equally important is advancement of science-based ecology preservation, Kuan said. The council will work closely with academics and experts to conduct research on biodiversity environments and build a comprehensive marine ecological conservation network, she added.
The council will further deploy artificial intelligence technology and equip coast guards with drones to assist patrols, the minister said, adding that it will also strengthen maritime surveillance and law enforcement capabilities using emerging technologies.
Kuan took the opportunity to praise the council’s 2024 successes, including the significant frequency of blocking illegal sand suction dredgers as well as smuggled drugs and guns, the passage of the Marine Conservation Act, the establishment of a marine pollution prevention and control fund and the issuance of the Marine Pollution Control White Paper. An AI-based anti-drowning detection system was set up by the OAC and Tainan City Government last year, the minister said, adding that the ministry announced a guideline to promote marine accessibility for all groups including physically- and mentally-challenged people and seniors.
Other achievements spanned the launch of a marine culture award and the designation of Coast Guard Day on Nov. 8, Kuan noted, concluding by saying that the OAC is committed to advancing Taiwan’s marine governance while creating a safe and sustainable maritime environment. (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw