Taiwan actively participates in regional fisheries management organizations—including the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC)—to ensure sustainable use of marine resources. The nation adheres to catch quota regulations for species like bluefin tuna and saury, implements vessel landing declarations, and has designated protected species such as whale sharks and giant manta rays as off-limits. Taiwan also prohibits shark finning, the wasteful practice of removing fins and discarding the rest.

Deep-sea fishing remains labor-intensive and high-risk work; employing foreign crew members has become standard practice. In recent years, the Fisheries Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture has promoted fisheries and human rights action plans, providing guidance on installing vessel monitoring systems and strengthening oversight of flags of convenience vessels to uphold labor rights at sea.

Aquavoltaics Thrive in the South

Coastal fisheries support marine sustainability through targeted conservation measures: establishing no-fishing zones for trawlers and gillnet vessels, regulating closed seasons for squid, glass eels, and egg-bearing crabs, and organizing fish fry release programs to replenish ocean populations.

Taiwan has developed artificial breeding and aquaculture technologies for prized species including mud crab, croaker, dolphinfish, Spanish mackerel, and rosy seabass. The country has upgraded water supply and drainage systems in aquaculture zones while guiding operators toward indoor cultivation facilities. A particularly innovative development combines solar panels with fish farming—known as aquavoltaics—strengthening the industry's resilience against extreme weather while supporting clean energy goals.

Throughout southern Taiwan, particularly in Chiayi County, Tainan City, and Kaohsiung City, these aquavoltaic operations showcase how traditional fishing communities are embracing smart technologies and carbon reduction strategies for a more sustainable future.