1. Fisheries Agency Enforces Seasonal Ban on Catching and Selling Berried Crabs from August 1 to December 31

To protect marine resources during their peak reproduction season, Taiwan's Fisheries Agency is reminding fishers and vendors that the annual seasonal ban on catching and selling berried female crabs is in effect from August 1 to December 31. Under the regulations, fishing vessels are strictly prohibited from harvesting berried crabs or handling specimens with detached abdominal aprons, and commercial vendors are banned from displaying or selling them, with violations punishable by fines of up to NT$150,000. These restrictions complement year-round size limits established under the Management Measures for Coastal and Offshore Fishing Vessels Catching Crabs, which mandate minimum carapace dimensions of 9 cm for crucifix, blue, and three-spot swimming crabs, 7 cm for stone crabs, and 6 cm for spanner crabs. First implemented in 2014 and refined in 2022 through scientific evaluation and industry consensus, these conservation measures have successfully stabilized annual crab catches at approximately 1,400 metric tons. The Fisheries Agency expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation of fishers and merchants, noting that it will continue working alongside research institutions, the Coast Guard Administration, and local governments to enforce regulations and secure the long-term sustainability of Taiwan's crab fisheries.

2. Fisheries Agency Holds Seminar in Donggang to Address Global Sustainable Seafood Sourcing Trends

To address stringent international seafood procurement policies prioritizing human rights and supply chain transparency, Taiwan's Fisheries Agency hosted a seminar titled "Latest Trends in International Seafood Procurement: The Importance of Labor Rights" on July 30 at the Donggang Fishermen's Association, convening industry experts, vessel owners, and captains. Fishery Manpower Division Chief Hsueh Po-yuan emphasized that international markets now condition seafood imports on strict labor compliance to counter forced labor risks, noting that the United States employs Withhold Release Orders and Section 301 investigations while the European Union advances supply chain due diligence requirements. To meet these expectations, Feng Chuen Enterprise Vice President Chiang Hui-sung outlined essential compliance measures, including lawful contracts and verifiable payment records to prevent debt bondage, engagement with licensed manning agencies, establishment of crew grievance mechanisms, and adoption of third-party verification systems. The Fisheries Agency concluded by pledging continued guidance to help Taiwan's distant-water fishing sector enhance regulatory compliance, protect labor welfare, and secure its competitive standing in global export markets.