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Domestic and Ethnic Committee conducts site inspection of the MCEC to understand ecological research on marine mammals and achievements in conservation education (2025.11.07)
On 7 November 2025, the convener of the Control Yuan’s Domestic and Ethnic Committee, Ombudsman Tsai Chung-yi, accompanied by 14 committee members, visited the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) under the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) for an inspection. The delegation conducted field visits to member companies of the Marine Debris Recycling Coalition (MDRC) and the Central Taiwan Marine Conservation Education Center (MCEC), followed by operational briefings and a comprehensive discussion session with the OAC and OCA.
The ombudsmen first visited MDRC member companies to learn about current marine debris reuse technologies and product development, and to understand how the public-sector OCA collaborates with the private sector to advance the circular economy for recycled marine materials, thereby reducing environmental impact. The delegation then proceeded to the MCEC to receive briefings on dolphin conservation efforts in central Taiwan and toured the “Giant Unearthed: A Taiwan Whale’s Tale” exhibition to gain insight into educational research achievements in marine mammal conservation.
During the comprehensive discussion session, the ombudsmen commended the OCA’s efforts while raising questions on several issues, including: the adequacy of OCA personnel capacity; the establishment of proactive and clear management principles following the designation of marine protected areas; the current status of systematic monitoring and investigation of nearshore marine resources; the actual sources and quantities of marine debris; and overall strategies for controlling crown-of-thorns starfish and conserving and restoring coral reefs. The ombudsmen also recommended that the OCA place greater emphasis on promoting public awareness of marine conservation concepts. Convener Tsai Chung-yi expressed hope that the OAC and OCA will continue to strengthen cooperation between central and local governments to enhance Taiwan’s overall capacity for marine conservation.
Source: The Control Yuan, Taiwan
