1. Taiwan Fisheries Agency Holds Donggang Briefing to Safeguard Seafood Exports

Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency held a briefing at the Donggang Fishermen’s Association on May 11 to help the fishing industry address tightening international labor standards and maintain stable seafood exports. Experts, fishing operators, captains and senior crew members attended the event, which focused on global labor regulations and industry compliance measures. Yang Wen-hsien, deputy head of the agency’s Fisheries Human Resources Division, said international markets are placing greater emphasis on labor rights and supply chain oversight. Taiwan’s distant-water fisheries have been listed three times since 2020 in the U.S. Department of Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor, while the European Union adopted new rules in December 2024 banning products linked to forced labor. The briefing included proposed amendments to regulations governing non-Taiwanese crew members and a presentation on the EU’s forced labor regulation by Dr. Huang Nai-yun of Intertek Taiwan. Vessel owners also exchanged views on issues including crew debt arrangements and labor rights. The Fisheries Agency said it will continue assisting the industry in strengthening compliance with international labor standards to support the long-term competitiveness of Taiwan’s seafood exports.

2. Taiwan Promotes Eel Rice Dumplings Ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency has teamed up with private retailers and government agencies to promote locally farmed eel ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival, launching two specialty eel rice dumplings at a promotional event held May 16 at the Xiluo Service Area on National Freeway No. 1. The campaign, organized with the Taiwan Aquaculture Development Foundation, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi-operated Hsin Tung Yang outlets, the Farmers’ Association supermarket chain and the Freeway Bureau, aims to expand domestic consumption of Taiwanese eel products. Deputy Director-General Miao Tzu-chang said consumers no longer need to travel to Japan to enjoy quality eel, adding that the government hopes to keep premium Taiwanese eel in the domestic market while offering affordable products to local consumers. He said the eel dumplings are made with traceable ingredients certified under Taiwan’s production and sales tracking system. The products are now available at freeway service areas in Guanxi, Xihu, Nantou and Xiluo, as well as provincial highway rest stops in Xinfeng, Daan and Kouhu. Consumers can also purchase them through the “Buy Fish” and “Fresh Fish Shop” e-commerce platforms. The Fisheries Agency said the campaign also seeks to promote other domestic seafood products and encourage travelers to support Taiwan’s aquaculture industry during the holiday season.