The United Nations has designated June 8th as World Oceans Day, and in Taiwan, the “Ocean Basic Act” was passed on November 1st, 2019, which designates June 8th as “National Oceans Day.” On June 3rd, in Yunlin County, the “2023 National Oceans Day Event - Love-the-Sea Crafts, Art Exhibition of Transformed Marine Waste” was held at Santiaolun Beach.

　The 2023 National Oceans Day event kicked off this morning at Santiaolun Beach, aiming to strengthen the county’s emergency response capabilities for marine pollution. The county government signed a support agreement with the Yunlin Fishermen’s Association to ensure that in the event of a pollution incident, the county’s marine environmental protection fleet can provide immediate assistance. The event also featured a drama performance by the “Pa Pa Lu’s STP Theater” focusing on the issue of marine waste. Additionally, Yunlin County’s Marine Education Resource Center brought ocean-themed picture books and marine waste art pieces created by students from Sanlun Elementary School for display. The event promoted the National Green Life Movement and supported the 2023 Carbon Reduction Action Year. Environmental education was integrated into the event, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, “Life Below Water,” and encouraging participants to take practical actions to protect the Earth and develop a strong belief in safeguarding marine ecosystems and sustainable development.

　Deputy County Magistrate Shu-ya Xie stated that in order to prevent pollution sources such as discarded fishing nets and waste from entering the ocean, the Yunlin County Government has strengthened regulations on discarded fishing nets and marine waste in recent years. Measures such as planning temporary storage areas for marine waste, implementing a real-name registration system for gillnets, and promoting the reuse of discarded clams have been taken to reduce the impact on the marine environment. Through the crafts created using marine waste, the event aimed to raise awareness among residents about marine environmental issues and to showcase the policy initiatives and achievements of “Clean Sea,” “Know the Sea,” “Near the Sea,” and “Enter the Sea” (clean, knowledgeable, approach, and entering the ocean). The county government invites the public to embrace the ocean and work together to stride towards the vision of “ecological sustainability, maritime safety, and industry prosperity.”