1. Vice President Hsiao praises decade-long coastal forest restoration in Chiayi

   Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim visited the Haomei coastal protection forest in Budai Township, Chiayi County on May 24 to attend a beach reforestation event jointly organized by the Chiayi Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and the Chiayi Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. The event highlighted nearly a decade of successful public-private cooperation in restoring the coastal forest. The Chiayi Branch said the Haomei coastal protection forest serves as a vital barrier protecting local farmland, fish ponds and residential areas from windblown sand. However, coastal erosion, jetty effects and extreme weather had caused severe beach loss and shrinking forest coverage in recent years. Local churches and community groups first mobilized residents to use discarded oyster racks to build sand fences and stabilize the shoreline. Since 2017, the Chiayi Branch has provided technical and financial support under a strategy of “stabilizing sand first, then planting trees.” After nearly 10 years of restoration efforts, more than 2,000 meters of sand fences have been installed and over 16,000 salt- and wind-resistant trees, including casuarina and pandanus, have been planted, restoring more than 3.5 hectares of coastal forest. Officials said the project has effectively reduced wind and sand damage while strengthening protection for the Haomei community.

2. Fisheries Agency launches trainee sailor program to ease labor shortage

   To cultivate new talent and address labor shortages in Taiwan’s fishing industry, the Fisheries Agency held a planning briefing on May 22 for trainee sailor training institutions, inviting representatives from local fishermen’s associations to discuss issues including training costs and insurance mechanisms. The agency said all training institutions must comply with regulations governing fishing vessel crews. Training courses are expected to be held once every two months, with applications submitted at least one month before classes begin. Courses will cover emergency first aid, firefighting and sea survival skills to strengthen trainees’ practical abilities and maritime safety awareness. Fisheries Agency Director-General Wang Mao-cheng said the agency is also planning to establish a database and matching platform integrating recruitment, employment and training information to help local fishermen’s associations connect with workers. The agency added that it will continue working with local associations and training organizations to improve the trainee sailor system and attract more young people to join the fishing industry, helping stabilize the workforce and enhance the competitiveness of Taiwan’s fisheries sector.