The 2024 Taiwan International Fishery Industry Exhibition (hereinafter referred to as the Fishery Exhibition) was held in Hall 1 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from September 11 to 13, 2024. This year, the theme of the pavilion for the Fisheries Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture was the Value of Oysters. Guests were invited to explore the present, past, and future of Taiwan's oyster industry and recreate the prosperous era of oyster cultivation
The Fisheries Research Institute has stated that oyster farming is an extremely important economic shellfish farming industry in Taiwan, and it is the lifeline of many residents along the coast of southwestern Taiwan and the outlying islands of Penghu County. Six exhibition items were planned for display during the Fishery Exhibition, including Further Progress in Oyster Science—Artificial Oyster Seedling and Cultchless Oyster Breeding Technology, Kaleidoscope on Oyster Shells—Epiphytic Organisms, Oyster Rehabilitation—A Win-Win Outcome for Marine Conservation and Industrial Development, New Tools for Oyster Origin Identification, Enhancing the Competitiveness of Oysters, Extra Profit—Oyster Shell Recycling, and Utilization of Oyster Shells—High-Value Diversified Utilization of Oyster Shells, allowing everyone to experience the competitiveness of the local oyster industry.
In addition, the oyster work team, composed of personnel from the Fisheries Research Institute and National Chiayi University, held a research achievement event to share their results and sign a letter of intent for cooperation with manufacturers on September 11 on the fifth floor of the Fisheries Exhibition Hall. The event included an analysis of the difficulties in the oyster industry, oyster value and origin identification analysis, artificial seedling technology for oysters, cultchless oyster breeding technology, monitoring of oyster farming areas, and the recycling and high-quality utilization of oyster shells. The Fisheries Research Institute hoped to fully communicate with its peers and promote university-industry cooperation through this event, jointly revitalizing the development of Taiwan's oyster industry.
The Fisheries Research Institute further stated that in response to climate change, it is urgent to implement artificial seedling technology, which is crucial for the future resilience of Taiwan oysters, disease-resistant breeding, unique flavors, and polyploid reproduction. The Institute has achieved initial promotion results in recent years and signed a letter of intent to cooperate with the Yunlin Oyster Breeding Development Association, Tainan City Fisherman's Association, and the Chiayi County Government on artificial seedling technology cultivation at this conference, opening up an opportunity for industrial transformation.
Photo 1. Artificial oyster seedlings and a cluster of vibrant oysters
Photo 2. Large and plump cultchless oysters raised locally