Flying Fish

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Flying Fish are found in the warm waters of tropical and subtropical surface waters. They live in groups and are known for their habit of swimming rapidly. Their diet mainly consists of zooplankton, but they also serve as an essential food source for a large migratory fish species. In Taiwan's springtime fisheries, Flying Fish are one of the most important fish species that migrate northward with the Kuroshio current. On Orchid Island in southeastern Taiwan, the Flying Fish holds significant cultural value to the native Dao people. Orchid Island is renowned as the "Hometown of Flying Fish." The island's indigenous Dao community has an intricate relationship with these aquatic creatures. As the black tide sweeps through Orchid Island, it brings a new wave of Flying Fish, signaling the start of the island's Flying Fish season. For the Dawu people, who are native to the region, Flying Fish is a traditional staple in their diet. Their tradition of catching Flying Fish is steeped in strict norms and customs. During the Fishing Season, Dawu men forgo deep-sea fishing and benthic fish capture, instead relying solely on manual labor to catch these swift swimmers. From a modern marine conservation perspective, this cultural practice has the beneficial effect of restoring deep-sea benthic fish populations and coral reef fish. However, recent years have seen an alarming surge in commercial fishing efforts aimed at exploiting the Flying Fish season across various parts of Taiwan. Unfortunately, this excessive commercial activity has led to the depletion of Flying Fish numbers, as a significant portion of their eggs are being harvested for consumption and export. Under the guise of "Marine Gold," these eggs are exported to Japan and the EU, with an astonishing 40 containers per year. This reckless behavior has severely compromised the future of Flying Fish populations, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable marine operations. The Dawu people have demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance their traditional practices with modern conservation efforts, ensuring that their marine resources remain abundant for generations to come. It is essential that we learn from their example and adopt more responsible fishing methods to safeguard the delicate ecosystem of our oceans.