Dongsha Atoll is the only fully developed atoll within Taiwan’s waters. Formed over millions of years through the accumulation and growth of coral reefs, it represents a unique and precious natural landscape. Its surrounding waters are rich in fishery resources and have long attracted fishing vessels from neighboring countries, with illegal incursions occurring from time to time. On January 17, 2007, the area was officially designated as Dongsha Atoll National Park to safeguard these valuable marine resources.

To strengthen enforcement against illegal fishing vessels intruding into the waters of Dongsha Atoll National Park, the Fifth Maritime Patrol Brigade of the Coast Guard Administration, the Dongsha Command of the Southern Patrol Office, and the Marine National Park Headquarters jointly conducted a maritime enforcement operation on March 5, 2010. A total of six vessels of various types were deployed, departing at 9:00 a.m. During the operation, 12 vessels were boarded, inspected, and expelled, while 8 additional vessels were driven away through radio warnings. During onboard inspections, marine organisms including top shells, giant tritons, spider conchs, and sea cucumbers were discovered and immediately returned to the sea. Potassium cyanide solution used for illegal fishing was also confiscated and will be transported back to Taiwan for proper disposal. The fishing vessels were informed of the regulations prohibiting the harvesting of aquatic flora and fauna within Dongsha waters before being expelled.

The Headquarters emphasized that this joint enforcement action demonstrates a firm commitment to protecting the ecological resources of Dongsha Atoll National Park. Such expulsion operations will continue in the future to preserve this marine ecological paradise for the public.