Kinmen National Park Considers Surveillance Cameras to Combat Illegal Nets in Cihu Wetland

(CNA, Kinmen, May 21) In response to the persistent issue of illegal nets in Kinmen's Cihu Important Wetland, the Kinmen National Park Headquarters (KMNP) stated today that it has cleared 3,377 nets since 2006, but has not yet issued any penalties as the individuals who place them cannot be found. The KMNP also said it would evaluate the installation of surveillance cameras in the surrounding area.

The Cihu wetland, a national-level important wetland in Kinmen, serves as a habitat for migratory birds to winter and rest, a breeding ground for aquatic life, and a feeding area for protected species like the black-faced spoonbill. When illegal nets are discovered through patrols by national park staff, police, or public reporting, the KMNP notifies its contracted vendor to remove them.

Tsai Li-an, Deputy Director of the KMNP, told the media today that illegally placed fishing nets in Cihu affect the activities and survival of birds and other wildlife, potentially causing death by entanglement. The KMNP began irregularly clearing the nets in 2006, removing about 168 per year for a total of 3,377 to date. While violators, if caught, would be fined under the "National Park Act" or "Wetland Conservation Act," it is generally difficult to find them, and there have been no penalty cases so far.

When asked by the media why patrols have not caught any offenders, Tsai explained that limited manpower and a mismatch in patrol timing and locations with when and where people place the nets are challenges. Regarding plans for surveillance cameras, he said none are currently installed in the vicinity, but "we will evaluate it." Tsai noted potential difficulties with installing cameras, including setup and maintenance costs, as well as considering their effectiveness, as it may not be possible to cover the entire lake.

In a press release, the KMNP pointed out that illegal nets not only damage the landscape of Cihu wetland but also pose a potential threat to its ecosystem by causing injury or death to entangled birds and wildlife. The clearing operations involve removing the illegal nets and strengthening patrols and public advisories, hoping to protect the precious natural resources of Cihu wetland through inter-agency cooperation.

The KMNP urged the public to promptly report any sightings of illegally placed nets, illicit fishing, or damage to the wetland environment to the relevant authorities.