Image 1: Address by Minister Bi-Ling Kuan of the OAC

The Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) successfully hosted the 2024 National Oceans Day and Ocean-themed festival from June 15 to 16, 2024, at Pier 16-17 in Kaohsiung Port. Since 2009, United Nations has designated June 8th as “World Oceans Day.” The United Nations has chosen the theme for this year’s World Oceans Day as “Awaken New Depths,” calls for greater exploration of the oceans, urging people to transform their relationship with the seas through meaningful actions.
　　This year’s event brought together over 100 canoes and sailboats in Kaohsiung Port, recreating our forefathers’ interactions with and wisdom on the ocean. The gathering showcased century-old maritime skills and traditions. As a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our seas and the responsibility we bear for future generations, the ceremony also included the commissioning of the Yunlin Patrol Vessel, the third 4,000-ton rescue vessel.

Image 3: Highlights from the June 15th Celebration of the 5th National Oceans Day

　　The convergence of canoes and sailboats at Kaohsiung’s river-sea confluence creates a powerful symbol: canoes represent the ancestral knowledge and memories of indigenous peoples, while sailboats reflect our modern achievements and global connections. This encounter is a glance at history and a vision of hope for the future. The OAC extends special thanks to President Lai for personally attending and presiding over the National Oceans Day celebrations, joining in commemorating Taiwan’s proud maritime heritage. In his inaugural address on May 20, 2024, President Lai firmly committed to advancing ocean exploration and enhancing the well-being of the Taiwanese populace with a focus on marine-centric initiatives. Building on the foundation laid by the OAC with the enactment of the Ocean Basic Act in 2019 and the publication of the National Ocean Policy White Paper in 2020, the nation has seen notable advancements. These include the recent enactment of the Marine Industry Development Act, as well as partial revisions to the Marine Pollution Control Act and the Act of Use of Term Limits by the Coast Guard Authority. Further cementing these efforts, on July 12, 2024, the Legislative Yuan successfully passed the third reading of the Marine Conservation Act. The OAC extends its sincere gratitude to all those who have supported these initiatives. Under the leadership of the President, the third 4,000-ton patrol vessel, Yunlin, was officially commissioned. A nation’s sovereignty relies on the defense of its borders, and the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding our maritime territory is a testament to their bravery. Despite numerous challenges, they continue to forge ahead with unwavering resolve, embodying the courage and dedication expected by the people. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the outstanding individuals and volunteers who have been recognized with various ocean-related awards. They are our most steadfast partners in the mission to create a peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous ocean.

Image 7: Ocean Market attracts a large crowd, converging to celebrate National Oceans Day together

　　In line with President Lai’s “Ocean Exploration” policy outlined in his 2024 inauguration speech, the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) unveiled a rich and educational array of exhibitions and markets across six major themes: “Ocean for Good” (海好有你), “Marine Cultural Creativity” (海派文創), “Ocean Science Academy” (海洋科普小學堂), “Harbor Makers”(大港創客), “Flavors of the Sea”(食尚玩海), and “Ocean Strategy” (海洋星攻略). These events offered a wealth of engaging and instructive content, drawing significant public interest. To boost participation, a variety of free DIY ocean-related experiences were available, all of which were fully booked well ahead of the event. These activities skillfully blended education with entertainment, effectively building a foundation for ocean education, and enhancing public ocean literacy in an enjoyable and relaxed setting.
　　The Ocean Market featured 100 exhibition booths involving government bodies educational institutions and civic organizations. Notably, the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology in Keelung introduced a “Marine Technology Maker DIY Experience,” where young and old participants assembled remote-controlled sailboats and competed in races, delighting all involved. Meanwhile, the Kaohsiung Museum of Science and Technology showcased interactive exhibits on carbon capture, marine defense, ocean color restoration, wave power generation, ocean current power generation, and hydroelectric power, drawing crowds eager for hands-on scientific exploration.
　　The Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation exhibited eco-friendly innovations, such as “Longevity Fish” crafted from discarded PET bottles and reusable blackboard cloth, promoting sustainability and ecological conservation, and attracting many visitors for photo opportunities and interactive drawing. National Sun Yat-sen University showcased its “MIT Submarine,” a domestically-developed underwater vehicle, highlighting Taiwan’s strides in marine technology research and development. The Taiwan Disability Scuba Diving Association also participated, showcasing verbal communication materials and educational content for adaptive diving, enhancing public understanding of the needs of disabled individuals in aquatic settings.
　　The OAC is dedicated to promoting initiatives such as “Reviving Maritime Cultural Power,” “Marine Education Tours,” and “Equal Rights and Inclusive Ocean Education for the Disabled.” In conjunction with the 5th National Oceans Day in 2024, the OAC also established a national strategy group for the development of unmanned surface vehicles. These policy accomplishments, conveyed through educational and engaging formats at the Ocean Market, aim to cultivate national ocean awareness, foster a culture of marine appreciation and secure public backing for the government’s marine policy endeavors.

Image 8: Screenshot from the Official Website

https://nationaloceansday5th-oac.com/