The Ocean Affairs Council, in collaboration with the American Institute in Taiwan's Kaohsiung Branch Office, the British Office in Taiwan, and the National Cheng Kung University's Institute of Marine Science and Affairs, is hosting the "2023 Taiwan International Ocean Forum." Leaving behind the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this event primarily took place in person, and a live stream was provided as well. Experts and scholars from the United States, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Ukraine, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, along with professionals from Taiwan's government, industry, and academia, gathered to present and discuss ocean-related topics and explore the vision for sustainable ocean development.


Celebrating the fifth anniversary since its establishment, the Ocean Affairs Council aims to fulfill its three major policy objectives and create a sustainable, safe, and prosperous ocean nation. This year's forum focuses on three main themes: marine ecology, maritime security, and marine industry. It delves into international development trends and areas of concern, featuring a keynote speech and three-panel discussions.

Dr. Sachiko Oguma, Senior Administrator of the Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Japan, delivered the keynote speech. Her presentation, " Ocean education for enhancing the symbiotic relationship between mankind and the ocean," highlighted how Japan enhances national ocean literacy through ocean education, strengthening the connection between humans and the ocean. The panel discussions included esteemed international experts and scholars such as Professor Sergej Olenin from Klaipeda University in Lithuania, Ms. Tetiana Kvasha from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine's Ministry of Science and Education, Advisor of the Commandant, Dr. Jay Tarriela from the Philippine Coast Guard, Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel from the Pacific Forum, Dr. Vu Quy Son from the Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences, Dr. Azmath Jaleel from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, and President Alexander Hickethier from Hickethier Maritime Advisory and Publishing Company in the United States. They engaged in knowledge-sharing and exchanges with domestic experts from various sectors.

Minister Bi-Ling Kuan stressed that amendments to the "Coastal Patrol Agency Equipment Use Regulations" and the "Marine Industry Development Act" have recently passed in the third reading. The amended "Marine Pollution Control Act" has been announced and implemented. The organization of this forum aims to strengthen the domestic legal framework for marine affairs, combine concrete international ocean governance practices, gather collective wisdom, outline a blueprint for sustainable ocean development, and create a vision of the ocean nation. It also aims to showcase Taiwan's achievements in the field of ocean affairs through international platforms.