Flying Fish

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Flying fish thrive in the warm waters of tropical and subtropical surface areas, living in groups and exhibiting a natural behavior of swimming. Their primary food source is zooplankton, but they also serve as an essential food supply for numerous large migratory fish species. In Taiwan's spring season, with the Kuroshio Current moving northward, flying fish play a significant role in the country's fisheries. The island of Orchid in southeastern Taiwan holds great cultural significance for these fish, earning it the title "Hometown of Flying Fish." The indigenous Tao people have an unbreakable bond with flying fish, as they believe that when the black tide passes through Orchid Island, it brings flying fish, marking the beginning of the flying fish season. For the Dawu people, flying fish are a traditional food source, and they adhere to strict norms for catching them. During the season, Dawu men cease capturing deep-sea and benthic fish and instead use manual labor to draw boats and catch flying fish. This cultural tradition has an unexpected effect of restoring deep-sea benthic fish and coral reef populations from a modern marine conservation perspective. However, with the increasing promotion of flying fish season across Taiwan, commercial fishing has become excessive, resulting in the over-exploitation of flying fish resources. Many flying fish eggs are exported to Japan under the name "Marine Gold" or sold to the EU, reaching a staggering 40 containers per year. This behavior severely disrupts flying fish reproduction, leading to a decline in their population numbers. The commercial interests have led people to overlook the importance of sustainable marine practices, disregarding the long-term consequences of their actions. In contrast, the Dawu people demonstrate responsible resource management by not over-capturing flying fish and integrating conservation principles into their daily lives, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy marine resources. Their approach serves as a valuable lesson for everyone. The journey to preserving our oceans begins with understanding the importance of sustainable marine operations.