Expansion of Ecological Incentive Program for Inland Fish Ponds to Build a Green Coastal Conservation Network
The 2026 Yunlin County Ecological Service Payment Program for Endangered Species and Important Habitats (Inland Fish Ponds) is accepting applications from now through December 31, 2026. Inland aquaculture operators in Mailiao Township, Taixi Township, Sihu Township, Kouhu Township, and Shuilin Township are invited to participate in creating wildlife-friendly fish pond environments. Participants may receive incentives of up to NT$50,000. Eligible aquaculture operators are encouraged to join this environmentally friendly initiative and help establish a comprehensive ecological conservation corridor along Taiwan's western coast.
A total of 291 bird species have been recorded along the coast of Yunlin, including 53 protected species, such as the Sandhill Crane, Nordmann's Greenshank, Oriental Stork, Black-faced Spoonbill, and Australasian Grass-Owl. In response, the Yunlin County Government launched the first phase of its ecological service payment program for inland fish ponds in 2025, creating a cumulative 75.3915 hectares of wildlife-friendly inland fish ponds. To continue its coastal conservation efforts, the County Government is implementing the second phase of the program this year and has expanded its coverage to include Shuilin Township, further improving feeding and resting habitats for migratory birds passing through the area during winter.
County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that Yunlin is one of Taiwan's most important agricultural counties. In addition to producing food crops, its land provides essential habitats for numerous species of wildlife. To promote the harmonious development of economic activities and ecological conservation, the Yunlin County Government is working with the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, to implement an ecological service payment program for important habitats at inland fish ponds along Yunlin's coast. Through the central government's Rural Regeneration Fund, NT$2.5 million has been allocated for incentive payments. The program is expected to benefit 250 hectares of inland fish ponds in Yunlin County, generating benefits for both fisheries production and biodiversity conservation.
To participate in the program, applicants must operate inland fish ponds with a valid Inland Fish Pond Aquaculture Registration Certificate. Following harvest, between October 2026 and April 2027, participating ponds must maintain a water depth of 30 centimeters or less for at least one continuous month. Throughout the program period, herbicides, rodenticides, poison baits, and non-wildlife-friendly protective nets must not be used on the surrounding pond embankments. Each application must cover no less than 0.1 hectare, with a maximum eligible area of 5 hectares. On-site inspections will be conducted by the program's advisory team. An annual incentive of NT$10,000 per hectare may be granted. For further details, please visit the “Form Download” section of the Yunlin County Government Department of Agriculture website. Applicants may also search for the LINE user ID “@207ttbzm” and add “Yunlin County Ecological Service Payments” for consultation. Questions may also be directed to the National Chiayi University advisory team, Mr. Jung at 05-2717505, Mr. Lee at 0911-947099, or Mr. Wu of the County Government's Forestry and Conservation Section at 05-5522505.
Sources: Yunlin County Government
A total of 291 bird species have been recorded along the coast of Yunlin, including 53 protected species, such as the Sandhill Crane, Nordmann's Greenshank, Oriental Stork, Black-faced Spoonbill, and Australasian Grass-Owl. In response, the Yunlin County Government launched the first phase of its ecological service payment program for inland fish ponds in 2025, creating a cumulative 75.3915 hectares of wildlife-friendly inland fish ponds. To continue its coastal conservation efforts, the County Government is implementing the second phase of the program this year and has expanded its coverage to include Shuilin Township, further improving feeding and resting habitats for migratory birds passing through the area during winter.
County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that Yunlin is one of Taiwan's most important agricultural counties. In addition to producing food crops, its land provides essential habitats for numerous species of wildlife. To promote the harmonious development of economic activities and ecological conservation, the Yunlin County Government is working with the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, to implement an ecological service payment program for important habitats at inland fish ponds along Yunlin's coast. Through the central government's Rural Regeneration Fund, NT$2.5 million has been allocated for incentive payments. The program is expected to benefit 250 hectares of inland fish ponds in Yunlin County, generating benefits for both fisheries production and biodiversity conservation.
To participate in the program, applicants must operate inland fish ponds with a valid Inland Fish Pond Aquaculture Registration Certificate. Following harvest, between October 2026 and April 2027, participating ponds must maintain a water depth of 30 centimeters or less for at least one continuous month. Throughout the program period, herbicides, rodenticides, poison baits, and non-wildlife-friendly protective nets must not be used on the surrounding pond embankments. Each application must cover no less than 0.1 hectare, with a maximum eligible area of 5 hectares. On-site inspections will be conducted by the program's advisory team. An annual incentive of NT$10,000 per hectare may be granted. For further details, please visit the “Form Download” section of the Yunlin County Government Department of Agriculture website. Applicants may also search for the LINE user ID “@207ttbzm” and add “Yunlin County Ecological Service Payments” for consultation. Questions may also be directed to the National Chiayi University advisory team, Mr. Jung at 05-2717505, Mr. Lee at 0911-947099, or Mr. Wu of the County Government's Forestry and Conservation Section at 05-5522505.
Sources: Yunlin County Government
