1. Taiwan Strengthens Laboratory Animal Oversight, Suspends Approval of New Experiments at Poorly Rated Institutions

Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture has amended regulations governing Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), strengthening oversight and improvement mechanisms for institutions conducting animal experiments. Under the revised rules, institutions receiving a “poor” rating in annual on-site inspections may not approve new animal experiment applications until they complete corrective measures and pass a follow-up inspection, helping ensure animal welfare. The amendments also require each IACUC to appoint a chairperson designated by the institution’s head and strengthen the supervisory responsibilities of competent authorities. Institutions whose IACUCs fail to perform their statutory duties and do not make improvements within the required period may also be considered in decisions on subsidies, inspections and other administrative measures. As of the end of July, 2026, Taiwan had 174 institutions conducting animal experiments. The Ministry conducts at least 60 on-site inspections each year, with institutions rated as excellent, good, acceptable or poor. The revised rules require poorly rated institutions to pass a follow-up inspection before resuming approval of new animal experiment applications, balancing scientific research needs with laboratory animal welfare.

2. Fisheries Agency Hosts Forum on Labor Rights and Sustainable Fisheries

The 2026 Fisheries Labor Rights and Sustainable Development Forum, organized by the Fisheries Agency, was held in Kaohsiung on August 4, bringing together government, industry, labor, academia and international organizations to advance labor rights and sustainable fisheries. Since launching its Fisheries and Human Rights Action Plan in 2022, Taiwan has strengthened protections for migrant fishers through measures covering working conditions, recruitment and inspections. Fisheries Agency Director-General Wang Mao-cheng said Taiwan will expand telemedicine services, launch an incentive program for family visits, and continue efforts to incorporate ILO Work in Fishing Convention (C188) into domestic law. The forum highlighted human rights across the fishing supply chain, from fair recruitment and working conditions to corporate due diligence and international trade. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Huang Chao-chin also urged stronger typhoon preparedness, including securing vessels and evacuating crews to safe locations to protect fishers’ lives.