Over a Thousand Gather at Cianjhen Fishing Port for Barbecue! Kaohsiung Fisheries' 'Harbor Sizzle Festival' Celebrates Mid-Autumn with U.S., Japanese Dignitaries and Crew Members

With sea breezes blending with the aroma of charcoal grills, Cianjhen Fishing Port transformed into a massive barbecue venue. On the 11th, the Kaohsiung District Fisheries Association held its first-ever 'Kaohsiung Fish Chill: Harbor Sizzle Festival' at the west pier of Cianjhen Fishing Port. Over one hundred tables were set up, inviting fisheries professionals, local residents, Taiwanese and foreign crew members, and guests from various sectors to gather by the harbor and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival early amid ocean winds, fresh seafood, and sizzling grills. The event was exceptionally lively.

The seaside Mid-Autumn gathering also attracted international participants. Stephen Sun, Branch Chief of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Kaohsiung Branch, attended with his family, alongside Masashi Oku, Director of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office. They joined local citizens, fishery workers, and crew members in experiencing the vibrant, festive atmosphere of Cianjhen Fishing Port beyond its usual operational routine. People from different countries and backgrounds naturally interacted during the barbecue, adding an international flavor to the event.

As the event began, charcoal fires lit up across the west pier. Mackerel, white shrimp, squid, salmon collar, and other land-and-sea ingredients hit the grills, their savory scents carried by the sea breeze throughout the dock. Fresh live shrimp, clams, oysters, and other seafood delicacies were available for on-site purchase and immediate grilling. Combined with carnival games, specialty markets, stage performances, fresh seafood auctions, and raffles, the festivities lasted from evening into the night.

In addition to local residents and fisheries personnel, domestic and foreign crew members who typically work on ships or at the port were key participants. Many foreign crew members took rare time off work to gather around grills with colleagues, stroll through the carnival, enjoy food, and soak in the joyful harbor-side atmosphere. Some even purchased fruit-flavored sparkling wines launched by the Kaohsiung District Fisheries Association, sharing them with peers and enjoying precious moments of relaxation amidst their demanding schedules.

Crew members and visitors from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds naturally connected over shared grills and seafood aromas—a heartwarming scene at the event. For those who spend long periods working at sea or in port, this was more than just a meal; it was an opportunity to relax and build relationships with local residents and fellow fishery partners.

Yang Meng-fan, General Secretary of the Kaohsiung District Fisheries Association, emphasized that Cianjhen Fishing Port is not only a vital hub for vessel entry/exit and fish unloading but also a shared workplace and living space for many crew members, shipowners, and fisheries workers. This inaugural large-scale harbor barbecue aims to create a relaxed setting where Taiwanese and foreign crew members, shipowners, fisheries industry stakeholders, and local residents can come together and strengthen bonds.

Yang highlighted that the event also encourages the public to step into fishing ports, learn about the lives and work of those within, and recognize that beyond its production role, Cianjhen Fishing Port fosters human connections and warmth. It also showcases Taiwan’s commitment to fisher labor rights and its friendly treatment of international crew members.

Another major highlight was the launch of four new fruit-flavored sparkling wines by the Kaohsiung District Fisheries Association. Their refreshing fruity notes paired perfectly with grilled seafood and barbecue, attracting many attendees to sample and purchase them—especially popular among foreign crew members. The association hopes that through fishery products, specialty goods, and experiential events, the public can appreciate Kaohsiung’s fisheries from multiple perspectives, integrating them into everyday life beyond just production sites and markets.

The Kaohsiung District Fisheries Association expressed deep gratitude to the Council of Agriculture’s Fisheries Agency, Ocean Affairs Council, Kaohsiung City Government’s Marine Bureau, Cianjhen Police Station, local agencies, partner organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and all staff whose collective efforts made the successful execution of this large-scale event possible—from planning and site preparation to day-of operations.

Yang stressed that the 'Kaohsiung Fish Chill: Harbor Sizzle Festival' is more than a barbecue—it’s a meaningful step toward bridging the gap between the fishing port and the public, and between crew members and the local community. Moving forward, the association will continue hosting diverse events to invite the public into fishing ports, deepen understanding of seafood and seafarers, and reveal the warm, vibrant side of Kaohsiung’s fisheries beyond professionalism and hard work.

Amid sea breezes, charcoal smoke, fresh seafood, and laughter, this inaugural thousand-person barbecue at Cianjhen Fishing Port concluded successfully amid joyous cheers. The Kaohsiung District Fisheries Association hopes that through more diverse port activities, Cianjhen Fishing Port will not only remain a crucial fisheries base for Kaohsiung but also become a place where people engage with fisheries, connect with the harbor, and experience port life firsthand.

Yang Meng-fan, General Secretary of the Kaohsiung District Fisheries Association, hopes the event inspires more people to visit fishing ports and understand the lives of those who work there. (Photo/Chien Wen-hsu)