The recent trespassing of Chinese fishing vessels into Taiwan waters has led to angry local fishermen, who say that their livelihood is already difficult to earn without the extra complications.
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Just last week, a Chinese boat crossed over the Taiwanese border to fish in the ocean around Kinmen. When Taiwan’s Coast Guard attempted to administer the law within its jurisdiction, the unregistered watercraft refused inspection and tried to evade the enforcement process. The boat drove away and accidentally capsized, resulting in the deaths of two people.
China’s Coast Guard made a strong statement on Sunday, saying that it will enforce routine monitoring of watercraft, which is an increase in activity compared to the norm. Kinmen fishermen reacted with nervous or angry statements about the impact on their livelihoods. If they are constantly interrupted in their daily work, they cannot fish efficiently.
Kinmen’s fishing port’s normally easy-going atmosphere feels serious as workers organize fishing gear on shore.
Although there are still fishermen who stay at port and head out to fish early in the morning, most of them choose to operate entirely at sea. Some fishermen expressed frustration and asked for the details of law enforcement processes as soon as possible. Others say that they worry about China having a vindictive attitude after the incident, causing trouble for Taiwanese.
Fishermen on both sides of the strait usually go wherever there are fish. Yellow croaker, fourfinger threadfin, and white pomfret are commonly found in the area.
National Fishermen’s Association Kinmen District Chairman Chen Shui-i (陳水義) notifies all those operating boats to pay attention to safety, especially during this uneasy, tense situation. He encourages anyone with information to report it at any time and says that he hopes the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will communicate and show goodwill.