Taiwan: The First to Witness Coral Spawning

In Taiwan, as we celebrate Matsu's birthday each year, the ocean floor hosts its own grand ceremony: coral spawning. Ocean enthusiasts, coral lovers, and those concerned about marine ecosystems eagerly await the magical pink spectacle of mass coral spawning in Taiwan's surrounding waters. It's one of Earth's most magnificent and synchronized reproductive events. But when and where was this astonishing natural wonder first observed and recorded by humans? The answer might surprise many: it was right here at Dofu Cape in Su'ao, Taiwan.
For a long time, many have mistakenly believed that Australia's Great Barrier Reef was the first place where mass coral spawning was scientifically documented. Indeed, in the late 1980s, images and detailed data from the Great Barrier Reef's spawning events captivated the world. However, tracing back through history, the true "first" was revealed decades earlier, right next to a small fishing port in northeastern Taiwan.

In 1939, during the Japanese colonial period, Dr. Siro Kawaguti, then a professor in the Zoology Department at Taihoku Imperial University (now National Taiwan University), conducted a marine biological survey in the waters off Dofu Cape in Su'ao, Yilan County. During his observations, he witnessed the large-scale release of reproductive cells by local coral colonies. He meticulously documented this phenomenon, and his findings were subsequently published in the academic journal Zoological Magazine, Tokyo. This written report predated the Great Barrier Reef's first official record by a full 45 years, making it the world's earliest scientific documentation of coral spawning. While Dr. Kawaguti's discovery was a significant milestone, limitations in scientific technology at the time meant his records were primarily descriptive text, unable to capture the spectacle in images. It would be decades later, with advancements in diving equipment, underwater photography, and the rapid development of global marine ecological research, that the mysteries of coral spawning truly began to unfold.

Regarding Dofu Cape, Taiwanese marine ecologist and globally renowned coral researcher, Professor Chang-feng Dai, has extensively elaborated on its historical significance. Professor Dai has frequently mentioned Dr. Siro Kawaguti's discovery at Dofu Cape in academic conferences and popular science forums, emphasizing its importance in the history of global marine biology. For instance, at the "2021 Nanfang'ao International Academic Conference," Professor Dai presented his paper, "The History of Coral Research and Ecological Status in Nanfangao." In it, he not only revisited Dofu Cape's history as the world's first coral spawning observation site but also delved deeper into the impact of the Kuroshio Current on local coral ecology and the diversity of corals in the surrounding Nanfang'ao waters. Professor Dai's research not only confirmed Dofu Cape's pioneering status but further suggested that this unique ecological area could serve as a "Noah's Ark" for coral reefs in the face of global climate change challenges, making its conservation value undeniable.

From Dr. Siro Kawaguti's serendipitous discovery at Dofu Cape over 80 years ago to current global research into coral spawning mechanisms and ecological impacts, Taiwan has played an indispensable role in unraveling the mysteries of marine reproduction. This history not only highlights Taiwan's rich marine biodiversity but also reminds us that observing and exploring nature often brings unexpected surprises. Take, for instance, the coral reefs in the waters around South Penghu Marine National Park. After a severe cold front hit the Penghu waters years ago, these reefs amazingly remained unharmed by the cold water, and their healthy, abundant coral reef ecological resources led to their designation as a national park. Since then, we've continued to explore these waters, constantly surveying and discovering new species, and recording the timing and scale of coral spawning here. We hope that through books like "Underwater Garden: Corals of the South Penghu Marine National Park," more people can get to know our beautiful ocean and find their own surprises.

However, global climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing, and pollution are severely threatening coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Protecting these "rainforests of the sea" isn't just about admiring their magnificent spawning displays; it's essential for maintaining the health and balance of the entire marine ecosystem. Taiwan's pioneering history should inspire us to cherish and actively safeguard this precious marine treasure, ensuring that future generations can continue to witness this miracle of life.