Miaoli Marine Tourism Season Kicks Off with Fish Fry Release Led by Local Elementary School Students

The first event of the 2026 Miaoli Marine Tourism Season took place on July 29 at Tongxiao Xinpu Fishing Port, where fish fry were released into the sea. Deputy County Magistrate Chi Li-li, together with teachers and students from Xinpu Elementary School, carefully released buckets of four-thread threadfin (commonly known as 'Ngóo-á-hî') into the ocean. This initiative aims to restore fish populations and protect marine ecosystems, while also cultivating in the next generation a sense of appreciation for nature and respect for life through hands-on environmental education.

The Miaoli County Government has long promoted tourism revitalization and sustainable development along its coastal regions. In recent years, it has embraced the 'Slow Fish Movement,' advancing marine cultural preservation and eco-friendly fisheries through five pillars: 'blue ocean, blue education, traditional fishing methods, blue organizations, and blue tourism.'

This year’s Miaoli Marine Tourism Season opened with the fish fry release. On July 29, Deputy Magistrate Chi Li-li, joined by councilors Chen Pin-an and Tseng Mei-lu, assistants to Weng Jie and Chou Yu-man, and students from Xinpu Elementary School, released 10,000 four-thread threadfin back into the sea. The event aims to allow children to experience the growth of life firsthand by releasing fish fry themselves, fostering an understanding of the importance of cherishing nature, respecting life, and collectively protecting the ocean.

Deputy Magistrate Chi Li-li stated, 'The ocean sustains many families and has nurtured Miaoli’s precious fishing culture. The county government continues to collaborate with fishing associations, schools, and local communities to promote marine conservation. Fish fry release is not only about restoring marine resources but also serves as the most vivid lesson in marine education. Through release activities, ecological education, and marine tourism, we aim to root conservation values in schools and daily life, turning sustainability from a slogan into an everyday action everyone can participate in.'

According to the county’s Department of Agriculture, the 2026 Miaoli Marine Tourism Season will continue with a large-scale evening event called 'Rock Night' at Tongxiao Seaside Bathing Beach on August 1. It will feature performances by popular artists including Cosmos People, Weng Li-you, Ivy, Chang Jo-fan, Lih Hsiao-hua, Ray Huang Ting-jui, and girl group LUVSSI. The event will also include a sand sculpture art exhibition, local agricultural and fishery product tastings, interactive promotional booths, souvenir giveaways, and fun quiz games.