The Ocean Affairs Council on Thursday called on Taiwanese to take part in activities celebrating National Ocean Day in Kaohsiung today, after a poll showed a lack of understanding of the seas.
In a news release, the council said that its survey, conducted in October last year, showed that only 0.2 percent of Taiwanese know about the event.
About 9.7 percent know the government published a white paper on ocean policy, 31.9 percent have an interest in the seas or maritime affairs and 28.3 percent had experience with ocean-related activities, it said.
Photo courtesy of the Coast Guard Administration
National Ocean Day was established to address a deficiency in knowledge and interest about the sea, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said in the news release.
Since establishing the annual event in 2010, the council has made strides in increasing the safety of recreational activities at sea and accessibility of ocean-side recreational areas to people with disabilities, she said.
The event this year is centered on the 12th Hai An Exercise and the ocean theatrical arts performance to display the nation’s resolve to defend its territorial seas and soft power, she said.
Separately, the council said that Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) told Thursday’s Cabinet meeting that the organization has contributed to the government’s efforts toward protecting national sovereignty and promoting ocean culture.
The council is to continue collaborating with other government ministries and offices in planning National Ocean Day events, he was cited as saying.
The council and coast guard are included in this year’s special budget for building the nation’s economic, social and homeland security resilience in recognition of the sea’s importance to Taiwan, he said.
Government ministries and offices are urged to work together in protecting and building the nation’s waters, Cho said.
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