1. Legislation to deter and eliminate IUU Fishing

On February 15^th, the Executive Yuan approved amendments to the Distant Waters Fisheries Act in a bid to stop imports of catches and seafood products from illegal, underreported and underregulated (IUU) fishing. The proposed changes would empower regulators to impose a partial or total ban on seafood imports from nations or regions that engage in IUU fishing, Ministry of Agriculture officials told the news conference. Importers that contravene the ban would face a fine of NT$6 million to NT$30 million, which is the same as the penalty for domestic IUU fishers, the officials said. Taiwan is committed to fighting IUU fishing and upholding sustainable use of the sea in partnership with the international community, they said, adding that the amendments would help law-abiding fishers and importers.

2. Legislation to allow for sea sanctuaries advances

The Executive Yuan approved an ocean conservation bill that would empower regulators to designate maritime sanctuaries and establish sustainable use rules on February 15^th, the Ocean Affairs Council said. The bill says that regulatory authorities would be authorized to create maritime sanctuaries consisting of core, buffer and sustainable-use zones, subject to various levels of protection. The core zone of a maritime sanctuary — the highest level of protection possible — would be closed to all maritime activity other than speedy passage or for activities deemed necessary to national security or science. Entering a core zone without permission would carry a fine of up to NT$500,000 (US$15,911), entering a buffer zone without permission would carry a penalty of up to NT$300,000 and entering a sustainable-use zone without permission would carry a fine of NT$15,000.

3. Animal trap law changes approved

The Executive Yuan approved draft amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act on February 15th, completely banning animal traps and stating that owners would pay for costs incurred while capturing animals that have escaped. The proposed changes were made following the killing of a baboon during an attempt to capture it following its escape from Leofoo Village Theme Park in March last year. The amendments take into consideration that efforts to recapture escaped animals could incur extra costs for the state and members of society, the Ministry of Agriculture said. They also make clear that the owners are obliged to inform authorities that their animal has escaped, the ministry added.