President Ma Ying-jeou made a visit on the morning of November 26 to Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan to attend a press conference to highlight a large increase in grouper output in the area, as well as Taiwan taking in the largest catch of Pacific saury in the world. In addition to applauding these new highs, the president also spoke about the achievements of Taiwan's fishing industry and the sector's development.
President Ma first listened to presentations by grouper farmers and representatives of the Taiwan Squid Fishery Association, who reported on significantly higher output in recent years. The president then made remarks, saying that over half of the land area devoted to fish farms in Taiwan has been severely damaged in recent years by Typhoon Morakot and Typhoon Fanapi. The damage has been especially bad in southern Taiwan, he remarked, adding that military vehicles made some 70,000 trips after the typhoons to transport 940,000 metric tons of gravel and help fish farmers repair their fish ponds. Meanwhile, he commented, in addition to its all-out disaster relief efforts, the government has also made an active effort to develop critical new technologies and provide them to the fisheries industry, yielding substantial results. The president explained that Taiwan's output of grouper has jumped from 13,000 metric tons in 2009 to 23,000 metric tons this year. At the same time, exports of grouper have swelled to NT$5.3 billion. He applauded the efforts by fish farmers that have brought about these achievements.
Commenting on the performance of Taiwan's deep-sea fishing industry, President Ma said that catches of Pacific saury have surpassed 160,000 metric tons annually since 2010, and that last year reached 182,000 metric tons to surpass Japan and make Taiwan the world's top producer of Pacific saury. The catch this year has already exceeded 210,000 metric tons, a new record high, he noted, adding that the sector continues to lead the world in this regard.
President Ma emphasized that "engagement brings prosperity, while isolation brings atrophy." He said that after the two sides of the Taiwan Strait signed the Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, Taiwan's shipments of Pacific saury to mainland China began enjoying tariff-free treatment, and exports to the mainland as of this past October had risen from some 7,000 metric tons in 2009 to over 30,000 metric tons, valued at NT$580 million. These achievements are the result of the government and the fishing industry working together, the president stated, adding that this is something the public should applaud.
President Ma also stated that the government in recent years has continued to actively engage in fisheries negotiations with other countries. He noted that Taiwan and Japan signed a bilateral fisheries agreement on April 10 of last year which expanded the fishing grounds in which Taiwan's fisherman can operate by 4,530 square kilometers. In total, the agreement covers an area equivalent to twice the size of Taiwan, the president said, adding that the agreement has reduced fishing disputes between Japan and Taiwan to just one last year from 17 in the year before its conclusion. This marks an unprecedented achievement in the history of the bilateral fisheries relationship, he stated.
Commenting on the fisheries relationship between Taiwan and the Philippines, President Ma mentioned the Guang Da Xing No. 28 incident that took place in May of last year, when a Philippine Coast Guard vessel fired upon a Taiwanese fishing boat, damaging the boat and killing a fisherman. The president explained that after three rounds of talks, the two sides reached a three-point consensus to avoid the use of military force, notify the other prior to enforcement actions, and speedily release any persons detained or arrested. President Ma said that the "rational attitude, resolute stance, and tough measures" adopted by the ROC to resolve this fishing dispute have won international praise.
The president specially remarked that the government has a responsibility to enable the nation's fishermen to head out to sea with peace of mind, but he also urged fishermen to abide by applicable rules. He said the government, under the principle of "protecting fishermen but not covering up for their mistakes," will work to ensure that Taiwan's fishermen can safely operate in Taiwan's exclusive economic waters, as is their right.
Lastly, the president reiterated how impressed he is with the contributions made by Taiwan's fishermen. He also expressed hope that the industry can continue to operate in a cautious manner and continue to provide top-quality and safe aquatic products to sell to the world.