Lee Sichuan Attends Jinshan Fishermen's Festival: Pledges to Protect Century-Old 'Benghuozi' Fishing Method and Support Local Fishers

KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Sichuan attended the Jinshan District Fishermen’s Association’s fisheries promotion and Fishermen’s Day celebration today (6th), also participating in the opening ceremony of the 'Flames of Memory – Jinguo Fire Fishing Benghuozi Cultural Exhibition.' Hailing from a fishing family in Xiaoliuqiu, Pingtung, Lee shared warm childhood memories of coastal life, expressing deep appreciation for fishermen’s hardships. He stated that the 'Benghuozi' fishing method, a tradition passed down for over a century, is a globally unique cultural asset that must be protected. As a supporter of fishers, he pledged to continuously upgrade fisheries infrastructure and local transportation to promote industrial and environmental development.

Speaking emotionally, Lee recalled growing up in a fishing household by the sea, saying, 'Coming to the coast and touching seawater feels like returning home.' Seeing the enthusiastic crowd of local fishermen in Jinshan reminded him of his own hometown and family. With Father’s Day approaching, Lee reflected on how his father supported their family through fishing, as do many fathers in fishing villages. He extended congratulations to honored model fishermen and wished all fishermen a happy Fishermen’s Day and all fathers worldwide a joyful Father’s Day. Legislator Hung Meng-kai, KMT council candidate Ho Yuan-kai, and TPP council candidate Chen Yu-chieh also attended, offering blessings for the event’s success.

Lee also participated in the launch of the 'Flames of Memory – Jinguo Fire Fishing Benghuozi Cultural Exhibition.' Jinshan preserves the world’s only remaining traditional 'Benghuozi' fishing technique, which has endured for over a hundred years. Fishermen generate acetylene gas by mixing sulfur stones with water, igniting it to produce intense flashes of light and sound that attract phototactic silverfish to leap from the water, where they are swiftly caught using hand nets. This traditional method showcases early fishermen’s ingenuity and represents a national treasure-level cultural asset and a unique highlight of New Taipei City’s fishing culture.

Lee emphasized that, if elected mayor, he will fully protect and pass on this century-old fishing heritage. By integrating deep tourism, cultural experiences, and brand promotion, he aims to elevate the visibility of New Taipei’s cultural gems. Guided by the spirit of a fisherman’s son, he will stand as a steadfast supporter of all fishermen, continuously enhancing fisheries infrastructure, improving local transportation, and investing in tourism resources to build a high-value-added fishery tourism industry chain.