Taiwan is surrounded by waters. The eastern coast of the island is rocky, with a sudden drop into the ocean. Its offshore waters form pathways for many species of migratory fish traveling both from the south and the north. The west coast has a gradual, inclined shelf. Its water also abounds in marine resources, providing excellent grounds for bottom trawling. Fisheries of Taiwan are classified, for statistical purposes, into four categories, on the traditional bases of the types of fishing craft and gear used and the relative distance of fishing areas: Deep-sea, Inshore, Coastal and Culture Fisheries. Deep-sea fisheries include large and medium type trawling and deep-sea tuna longline fisheries. Trawl fisheries include otter trawl and bull trawl operations.
Coastal fisheries operate along shores and in rivers, streams and lakes with sampans and bamboo rafts or with no craft. Fishing gear used includes hooks and lines and nets called by such names as set net, surrounding net and swing bell net. Culture fisheries cover (1) brackish water ponds, chiefly for milkfish, grey mullet, shrimp and Gracilaria; (2) shallow sea enclosures for oysters and clams; (3) fresh water ponds and reservoirs for such fish as carps, Tilapia and mullet and (4) some paddy fields in central and southern Taiwan for Tilapia. Milkfish culture in Taiwan has a history of several centuries. Benefitted by the accumulated experience of the fish farmers and assistance from research laboratories, its average annual unit production is 2,000 kgs. per hectare. This is far above the level attained by fish farmers in other countries. Much progress has been made in recent years in improvement of pond management for fresh water fish culture, artificial propagation of some species and introduction of "hybrid exotic species." The Republic of China's development of fisheries has kept pace with the growth of the nation's economy. The growth rate of the fisheries is about 10% per annum. Their production meets the domestic fish demand and also provides a surplus for export.
Cultured pearls, a new speciality in Taiwan
Pearl fishery, the source of fine jewelry
Catching fry, the seed of fish culture
Shrimps and lobsters, among the most popular sea foods
Little shrimps will get much bigger
Perch, among the most popular of fish
Dragnet fishing sometimes yields big catches
Oystermen harvest a very special crop
Feeding little shrimps to hasten their growth
Penghu Fishing Harbor, one of Taiwan busiest
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