Status of aquaculture in Taiwan

Abstract

Taiwan has a long history of aquaculture practices, and already had an annual aquaculture production of about 20,000 metric tons during 1930s because of good water and soil quality, suitable climatic condictions, rather high availability of natural fish and hardwork of aquafarmers. The period of 1960s was considered a mile-stone in the history of aquaculture development in Taiwan because the techniques for artificial propagation of Chinese carps (Ctenopharyn-godon idellus and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) were established in 1963, and the experiments on the artificial propagation of grass prawn (Penaeus monodon) were successfully completed in 1968. Before 1963 Taiwan imported all the fry of Chinese carps it needed and had to spend a large amount of foreign exchange. However, after the success of artificial propagation of Chinese craps, the production of Chinese craps fry in Taiwan not only can meet the domestic demand of aquafarmers but also provide for exporting. The success of the artificial propagation of grass prawn in 1968 brought a revolutionary break-through to the prawn culture industry in Taiwan, and after a short period of 15 years the production of grass prawn had exceeded 8,000 metric tons in 1982, making Taiwan one of the important prawn culture countries in the world. Because of 200-miles exclusive economic zones enacted by many countries in the world, the further development of deep sea fisheries in future can not be expected, and the role played by aquaculture in total fisheries production becomes even more important in 1980s. In 1981 the production from aquaculture had exceeded 200,000 metric tons accounting for 22% of total fisheries production in terms of quantity and 32% in terms of monetary value. This paper outlines the species of aquatic organisms currently under culture along with their culture style and species that are potential candidate, and describes their present culture status and existing problems. Finally, the prospect for future development of aquaculture in Taiwan is also summarized and briefly discussed.