🌊Smart Beaches Initiative Launched: Creating a Safer Ocean Experience🌊 The Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) is establishing Smart Beach demonstration sites in Dawulun (Keelung), Daan Coastal Recreation Area (Taichung), Cijin (Kaohsiung), and Shanyuan Bay (Taitung). By integrating AI-powered image recognition, ocean condition monitoring, and real-time risk warning systems, the initiative aims to strengthen coastal safety management and emergency response capabilities. In partnership with National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, the OAC has also introduced Australia’s Surf Life Saving system and launched a Train-the-Trainer Workshop for Beach Safety Patrol Officers and Lifeguards in Cijin. The program enhances frontline rescue expertise while promoting marine safety education. Through advanced technology, international collaboration, and cross-agency partnerships, the OAC will continue to foster a safer and more sustainable marine recreation environment, enabling the public to enjoy and connect with the ocean with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Chinese harassment around Itu Aba (Taiping): right after in Taiwan's east Chinese two vessels' first intrusion into Taiping Island's prohibited waters reflects a continuous escalation of provocations. Totally unprovokes, China is systematically harrassing Taiwan. It also proves that what China did in waters east of Taiwan should be dealt with as a challenge to international order; Japan-Philippines talks was just an excuse. #TaiwanCoastGuard #OACROC

Chinese Harrassment in Waters East of Taiwan: Update: June 9 SHIPPING HARRASSMENT REFUTED BY TCG At 11:00 AM, June 9, five Chinese government vessels—including the "Hai Xun 06," "Hai Xun 08," "Hai Xun 09," "Dong Hai Jiu 113," and "China Coast Guard 2202"—were located 40 nautical miles east of Pengjia Islet (12 nautical miles outside of Taiwan's restricted waters), continuing to head north and away from Taiwan waters. Taiwan Coast Guard's vessels are maintaining continuous monitoring of the situation. Meanwhile, the Chinese government vessels broadcasted radio inquiries to three passing merchant and cargo ships regarding their port entry and departure details. Taiwan Coast Guard's vessels immediately issued a stern response, stating: "This area the maritime zone of Taiwan. China has no sovereign rights and no jurisdiction here. Maintain your normal navigation; There is no need to respond to broadcasts from Chinese government vessel. If you need any assistance, please immediately contact Taiwan Coast Guard vessels, via radio or other means of communication."

【International Day for Women in Maritime: Honoring Women in TCG】 May 18 marks the International Day for Women in Maritime, established by the IMO to recognize contributions made by women in the maritime field, support their career development, and promote a safer, more inclusive, and respectful workplace for all. For many years, working at sea was often viewed as a “man’s job.” Yet on the frontlines of the Coast Guard, our female officers stand shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues, facing rough seas, long shifts, and demanding missions with the same courage and responsibility. On May 18, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling visited the Tamsui Cutter to encourage officers preparing to set sail and personally expressed appreciation to the 111 women currently serving aboard Coast Guard vessels. Their dedication proves that professionalism at sea knows no gender, and protecting our waters is a shared mission. The Coast Guard will continue to stand firmly behind every frontline officer, ensuring they can serve with confidence, pride, and purpose.

Chinese Harrassment in Waters East of Taiwan: Update: June 7 On June 7 at 14:05, four Chinese vessels (Haixun 06, 08, 09, and Donghaijiu 113) encroached upon Taiwan's restricted waters southwest of Eluanbi under the guise of a "special enforcement operation." TCG immediately deployed five patrol frigates (Kaohsiung, Tamsui, Ji'an, Changbin, Hualien) and two patrol boats for parallel monitoring, issuing radio warnings that China has no jurisdiction east of Taiwan and violates international law. By 17:30, all four Chinese vessels were successfully driven out of the restricted waters.

China is Singly Responsible for Unilateral Elevation of Tension; Protest is just a Pretext China is raising regional tensions by operations of its coast guard, jointly with the "survey vessels", in the east of Taiwan. The following table shows the latest waves of provocation in fact started in early May, aggravating in to the "special maritime law enforcement operation", where we see CCG vessel over 10,000 tons dispatched to waters east of Taiwan between June 7 and 8. This has nothing to do with Japan/the Philippines proposed talks on maritime delimitation. China used that as a pretext to cover its irresponsible and aggressive actions. Taiwan Coast Guard will continue to take resolute actions in responding to the harrassment to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty.

📷 World Oceans Day 📷 The ocean powers our climate, supports biodiversity, and sustains our future. Every day, it generates valuable data that help us better understand and protect our marine environment. At NAMR, we advance marine observation, AI-driven data analysis, and ocean information services to support research, monitoring, and sustainable ocean governance. Explore Taiwan’s ocean data through NODASS, and share your favorite ocean photo with us! 📷 Every dataset tells a story. Every observation helps protect the ocean. #WorldOceansDay #NAMR #NODASS #OceanData #MarineScience

Consecutive intrusions into Pratas waters by Chinese vessels escalate regional tensions For 3 days Chinese vessels intruded waters under the jurisdiction of ROC Taiwan around Pratas (Dongsha). On June 5 CCG Vessel 3501 entered into the territorial water, which was forced out by TCG Patrol Vessel 9, subsequently confronted by TCG Changhua, which was dispatched to reinforce. In the course of expulsion, TCG vessels broadcast to CCG 3501: "Your actions are breaching regional peace. It proves the peace alleged by China is a delusion. The international community do not support you. Instead, go back and fight for democracy for the Chinese. That's the correct way of making a contribution. Now stop and return immediately before we take necessary measures by law." On June 6, Chinese survey ship New Silkroad 6 entered Pratas's water, which was expelled by TCG Kaoshiung and CP-1025 and CP-1082. This was another incident involving Chinese survey vessels following the incidents in May, when "Tongji" circulated Taiwan twice under the guise of "marine research". TCG strongly condemn China for its provocative actions and reiterate that these attempts under the guise of "exercising jurisdiction" are in fact squarely infringements of regional peace and international order. TCG is determined and capable of defending our sovereignty and maritime security by all necessary measures.

Since 2019, Taiwan’s Ocean Conservation Administration has integrated resources from the Coast Guard Administration (including more than 200 inspection offices), local governments, research institutions, and civil organizations to establish the Marine Animal Rescue Network (MARN). Based on the 4R principles — Research, Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release — MARN has gradually developed standardized rescue and response procedures for protected marine wildlife. This year, two mass strandings of Pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) occurred at the northern and southern ends of Taiwan. Thanks to timely reporting and the MARN rescue mechanism, most of these whales were successfully returned to their home — the ocean. 🌊 Pygmy killer whales are highly social animals, which is why entire pods may mass strand when some individuals become weak. We are deeply grateful to the public for recognizing these situations quickly and notifying rescue teams immediately, and to all frontline MARN responders whose dedication helped save so many precious lives. 🐋

Joint Press Conference on Cross-Border Anti-Drug Operation On May 19, TCG Investigation Branch and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) jointly held a press conference on the cross-border anti-drug operation, presided by Minister Kuan Bi-ling of OAC and graced by Mr. Brian E. Sherota of HSI, underscoring Taiwan’s firm commitment to collaborating with international partners to combat transnational crime. Minister Kuan highlighted that since October 2025, the Investigation Branch has worked in close coordination with the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. This partnership has successfully dismantled 14 cross-border drug smuggling cases involving body packing (swallowing capsules) and concealed luggage. The operation resulted in the seizure of 23.3 kilograms of heroin, with an estimated street value of over NT$81 million. The seized drugs could have supplied approximately 770,000 doses, and 22 suspects of various nationalities were arrested. Minister Kuan further emphasized that "drug smuggling via human carriers is highly concealed and difficult to detect, requiring precise intelligence to be intercepted effectively." She noted that such fruitful results would have been extremely difficult to achieve without robust international intelligence sharing. On this occasion, she also commended the Coast Guard personnel for upholding steadfast their duties under arduous conditions, ensuring the fulfillment of the OAC’s mission goals maintaining "National Security, Public Order, and Social Stability."

【New Milestone for Taiwan’s Marine Conservation! 🌊】 On May22, International Biodiversity Day of 2026, OAC Minister Kuan Bi-ling certified Taiwan’s first-ever Marine OECMs (CPC, TCC, and Taipower), witnessed by MOEA Minister Kung Ming-hsin. Minister Kuan emphasized: "OECMs don't mean closing off the ocean; they mean ensuring 'good management' remains. It’s not about restricting development, but making sure development carries the responsibility of conservation." Taiwan is among the few countries to incorporate OECMs into legislation under its Marine Conservation Act, praised by IUCN experts as "at the global forefront." 🌟 3 Pioneering Cases: 1.CPC Guantang: Protecting the algal reef ecosystem & Little Tern habitats. 2.TCC Heping Port: Eco-port balancing operations with coral restoration. 3.Taipower Wind Farm I: Infrastructure turned into thriving fish habitats. Proving that economy & ecology can thrive together through ESG! #InternationalBiodiversityDay #OECM #MarineConservation #30x30 #Biodiversity #Taiwan

【Ministry of Sports 🤝 Ocean Affairs Council: Dive to Protect Our Blue Ocean!】🌊🐢 Want to boost your fitness and protect marine life at the same time? The Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) is launching an exclusive bonus scheme! Simply spend 300 Sports Coins at any OCA-certified "Eco-Friendly Dive Shop," and you will receive an instant NT$250 discount from the Ocean Coin pool! These selected shops—including members of the Coral Reef Diving Alliance and Ocean Clean-up Stations—are true pioneers in marine conservation. They strictly follow sustainable diving guidelines: no fish feeding, no touching marine life, promoting reef-safe sunscreens, and actively removing marine debris. Participating is as easy as 3 simple steps: Check your valid Sports Coins. Find certified partner shops on the OCA official website and book. Redeem 300 Sports Coins on-site to enjoy the NT$250 discount! Let’s make every dive meaningful and establish a responsible tourism model together. Quotas are limited, so visit the OCA website to book your eco-friendly dive today! 👇

🤝 Strengthening Ocean Literacy Partnership Across the Region 🌊 NAMR and KOSM Sign MOU 🌊 ✍️ On May 19, the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) and the Korea National Ocean Science Museum (KOSM) signed an MOU to strengthen cooperation in ocean education, marine science outreach, exhibitions, and international exchange. 🌐 💡 As part of this partnership, students participating in the 2025 NODASS Ocean Big Data Contest are expected to join KOSM’s International Youth Workshop this June to share ocean data applications and connect with young participants from different countries. ✈️ ✨ Through this collaboration, both institutions hope to inspire future ocean leaders and promote greater public understanding of the ocean. 🌏 #NAMR #KOSM #OceanLiteracy #OneOceanOnePlanet #NODASS

Nansha "Nanyuan No. 9" Drill：Demonstrating Taiwan’s Humanitarian Rescue Capabilities in the South China Sea On April 21, 2026, Kuan Bi-ling, Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), traveled to Taiping Island to oversee the “Nanyuan No. 9” exercise. The drill simulated a complex maritime disaster scenario involving a suspicious cargo vessel colliding with a fishing boat, resulting in a fire, multiple persons overboard, and an expanding oil spill. Through the use of satellite communications and real-time data transmission, the exercise demonstrated Taiwan’s integrated command-and-control capabilities, enabling authorities to effectively “see, hear, and direct” operations remotely. The Special Task Force of the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration also participated in a high-risk boarding operation in the Nansha area for the first time. The exercise further incorporated support from military C-130 transport aircraft and remote telemedicine consultations, highlighting the effectiveness of regular preparedness training and rapid-response coordination during emergencies. Following the completion of Taiping Island’s new pier, the island is now capable of accommodating 4,000-ton-class patrol vessels and maintaining the regular deployment of 100-ton-class patrol boats, significantly enhancing maritime law enforcement and emergency response capabilities in the region. The successful exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of interagency coordination and conveyed Taiwan’s strong commitment to transforming Taiping Island into a humanitarian assistance and logistics hub in the South China Sea. It also reaffirmed Taiwan’s determination to fulfill its responsibilities in international humanitarian rescue operations.

Life with the sea, setting sail from Penghu The National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) is proud to present its first-ever special exhibition in Penghu, one of Taiwan’s most beautiful archipelagos. The exhibition highlights coastal communities and their way of life, marine scientific research, ocean industries, ocean literacy, and underwater cultural heritage. More than just an exhibition, it represents NAMR’s commitment to protecting our blue planet through research, innovation, and education. Join us on an inspiring journey to explore NAMR’s achievements and ongoing efforts in marine science, conservation, and ocean sustainability. #MarineResearch #OceanSustainability #Penghu #Taiwan