Fulfilling Mayor Kao Hung An’s commitment to marine conservation, the Xiangshan Wetland Marine Conservation Education Center officially opened on June 20, coinciding with International Horseshoe Crab Day. The center is the result of a collaboration between the Hsinchu City Government and the Ocean Conservation Administration, which repurposed the former Xiangshan Wetland Ecology Exhibition Hall into Northern Taiwan’s first marine conservation-themed education base. At the unveiling ceremony, Acting Mayor Chiu Chen-Yuan expressed hopes that the center would raise public awareness about wetland and marine ecosystem sustainability and help embed environmental education from an early age.
Acting Mayor Chiu highlighted that Xiangshan Wetland is home to a rich variety of marine life, including numerous species of shrimp, crabs, and shellfish. Among them, the tri-spine horseshoe crab, often referred to as a “living fossil,” is especially significant. Recent studies show that Xiangshan Wetland has the highest density of juvenile horseshoe crabs on Taiwan’s main island, making it a vital area for conservation. In addition to its ecological importance, the wetland’s expansive ocean views and stunning sunsets attract more than 500,000 visitors each year, blending conservation with eco-tourism and making it an ideal site for promoting marine education.
Chiu also noted that during his tenure as a legislator, he actively supported the enactment of the Marine Conservation Act and backed national initiatives such as “Honoring the Mountains, Embracing the Sea.” He emphasized that education is the foundation of marine conservation; only through deepening public understanding and cultivating a conservation culture can these values take root in society. The establishment of the Xiangshan Wetland Marine Conservation Education Center marks a significant milestone in turning that vision into reality.
Sources: Hsinchu City Government
