1. Taiwan Fisheries Agency Launches Human Rights Action Plan 2.0 for Distant-Water Crews

Taiwan's Fisheries Agency has unveiled the second phase of its“Fisheries and Human Rights Action Plan” (2026–2029) to further improve labor conditions on distant-water fishing vessels. Building on the first phase, which established direct wage payments, labor inspections, vessel surveillance, and better onboard communication and medical care, the new plan will align foreign crew wages with international minimum standards, promote domestic legislation for the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, and enhance telemedicine and Wi-Fi access at sea. The agency emphasized that development of the plan involved consultation with industry, labor groups, and human rights organizations. The initiative aims to protect crew rights, strengthen Taiwan’s international image in distant-water fisheries, and promote sustainable industry development.

2. Taiwan Cracks Down on Imported Oysters Passed Off as Domestic Products

To curb the illegal practice of selling imported oysters as domestic products, Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture has formed an Oyster Aquaculture Support Task Force to conduct market inspections using scientific origin-identification techniques.　The Fisheries Agency said 114 oyster samples were tested between December 2023 and December 2025, with 16 identified as imported. Three cases have been concluded, resulting in fines of NT$200,000 and NT$100,000, and one prison sentence of four months. A cross-agency task group involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Justice has strengthened traceability management and market checks by adopting multi-element analysis and species identification methods. All domestic oyster farmers and distributors are now covered by the traceability system, and consumers are encouraged to choose products with traceability labels or QR codes.