Collaboration for shared aquatic ecosystems
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is deeply committed to sustaining local ecosystems and promoting cooperative stewardship of shared marine and coastal environments. This mission is reflected in a range of research and outreach initiatives that link academia, communities, and government agencies.
In Chigu, Tainan, doctoral students in Urban Planning, known as the “Fisherman’s Village” team, work with local fishers to promote sustainable low-density aquaculture and eco-friendly practices. They also engage consumers, encouraging responsible seafood choices and a deeper appreciation of the ocean as a limited and fragile resource. Complementing these efforts, NCKU’s Advanced International Shrimp Farming Research Center focuses on shrimp health and safety, helping enhance production standards and contributing to global food security.
NCKU also plays a key role in marine observation and risk assessment. The GoOcean Marine Radar Team from the National Oceanic Institute collaborates with the Tainan City Government and NCKU’s Nearshore Hydrology Center to conduct remote sensing of waves and currents at Anping Fishing Port and the Golden Coast. The real-time marine environmental data they provide are crucial for evaluating recreational safety and supporting coastal management.
At a broader regional scale, the Coastal Ocean Monitoring Center at NCKU partners with the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI) and National Taiwan University’s Institute of Oceanography as part of the “South China Sea Joint Scientific Observation Team,” led by the National Academy of Marine Research. Aboard TORI’s research vessel Li-Jin, the team collects critical oceanographic data to improve scientific understanding, support disaster prevention and humanitarian response, and strengthen international collaboration. A visit from Ocean Affairs Council Chairperson Kuan Bi-ling underscored national support for these efforts. NCKU aims to remain a driving force in Taiwan’s marine surveys, contributing both to national development and to the global ocean science community.
- Cofishland, a Local Fish Education Organization founded by NCKU's Urban Planning doctoral students
NCKU's Urban Planning doctoral students, known as the "Cofishland" team leader, promote sustainable low-density aquaculture and eco-friendly practices in Chigu,Tainan. They also educate consumers about responsible seafood choices and cherishing the ocean.
- Cofishland Facebook
Cofishland, founded by PhD students from the Department of Urban Planning at National Cheng Kung University, is based in Qigu District, Tainan, promotes sustainable aquaculture practices through its “fish-eating education” initiatives. The organization develops educational curricula and designs interactive pond experience activities to help the public better understand aquaculture and ecological issues. Their Facebook page is also a platform for marketing locally produced small-scale fishery products, emphasizing a fair trade model where profits are returned to producers. In addition to sales and education, CoFishland publishes “Fishland Story Cards” that depict local culture, seafood production, ecology, and landscapes. The initiative seeks to unite youth engagement and drive community innovation toward sustainable development.
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture
NCKU's Advanced International Shrimp Farming Research Center ensures shrimp health and safety, contributing to global food security.
- Coastal Ocean Monitoring Center of NCKU Sets Sail for the South China Sea, Joining Observation Team to Strengthen International Collaboration
Coastal Ocean Monitoring Center of NCKU Center, together with Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI) and National Taiwan University’s Institute of Oceanography, joined the National Academy of Marine Research’s call to form the “South China Sea Joint Scientific Observation Team.” The team embarked on TORI’s research vessel Li-Jin to conduct surveys in the South China Sea, collecting crucial oceanic data to enhance scientific understanding, support disaster prevention, humanitarian response, and international collaboration. Chairperson Kuan Bi-ling of the Ocean Affairs Council boarded the vessel to encourage the researchers, underscoring national commitment to marine science. NCKU’s team aspires to remain a pivotal force in Taiwan’s ocean survey efforts, contributing to both national development and the global scientific community.
