Dongsha Atoll is Taiwan's only fully-formed atoll, created by coral growth over tens of thousands of years, and is a precious natural resource. The rich fish resources in the area have long been coveted by fishermen from neighboring countries and boats sometimes enter the waters around the atoll to fish illegally. The establishment of the park on January 17, 2007 was intended to protect this previous marine resource.

As part of efforts to strengthen efforts to prevent illegal fishing around Dongsha, six vessels from the Coastguard Administration, the Dongshan Command of the Southern Coastal Patrol Office and the Marine National Park took part in a joint patrol directed at illegal fishing on March 5, 2010. Starting at 9 am, 12 suspect vessels were boarded and ordered away and eight were ordered away by loudspeaker. The boarded vessels were found to be carrying trumpet tritons, spider conches, and sea cucumbers, which were immediately returned to the ocean. Poison used to kill fish was also confiscated and sent back to Taiwan to be dealt with. After being informed that the law forbids the taking of animals or plants from Marine National Park, the fishing boats were ordered away from the area.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Marine National Park Headquarters