Reducing Impact of Water Quality Anomalies: Two Coastal Monitoring Stations Established in Chiayi to Protect Oyster Farming

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Chang Yi-lien, Kaohsiung, July 14) The Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) under the Ocean Affairs Council has collaborated with Chiayi County Government to advance coastal water quality monitoring. Two 24-hour water quality monitoring stations have been completed in Budai and Dongshi, helping reduce the impact of water quality changes on aquaculture and marine ecosystems, and protecting the oyster farming environment.

The OCA stated today that Budai Township and Dongshi Township in Chiayi County are major oyster farming areas, where seawater quality directly affects oyster growth and fishermen's livelihoods. Chiayi County established a water quality monitoring station in Dongshi waters in 2022 (Minguo Year 111), and completed another in Budai waters in 2024 (Minguo Year 113), enabling round-the-clock monitoring of seawater conditions.

The monitoring stations continuously track key indicators such as water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and suspended solids. Any anomalies trigger immediate alerts and emergency responses, enabling early detection and minimizing impacts on aquaculture and marine ecosystems.

According to the OCA press release, Chiayi County Magistrate翁章梁 (Weng Chang-liang) said the dual monitoring stations, combined with the OCA's manual sampling data, form a comprehensive coastal monitoring network that captures long-term water quality trends. This data will support marine pollution prevention and aquaculture environmental management.

Magistrate Weng added that the stations provide fishermen with real-time water quality information, and through technological monitoring and environmental management, ensure consumers can safely enjoy oysters from Chiayi's coastal waters.

OCA Director-General Lu Hsiao-yun noted that the Dongshi monitoring station, located at Wangliao Fishing Port in Dongshi Township, is prone to salt damage, leading to metal component corrosion and equipment aging.

To ensure stable operation, Lu announced that in 2025 (Minguo Year 114), the OCA will subsidize Chiayi County's 'Dongshi Coastal Water Quality Monitoring Station Enhancement and Maintenance Plan.' This includes equipment upgrades, structural improvements, and functional enhancements to extend the station's lifespan, improve monitoring efficiency and data quality, and ensure continuous water quality information delivery. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150714