Taiwan's Earth Day Triumph: Planting Seeds of Hope for Seagrass Restoration

Conservationists Celebrate Earth Day with a Milestone Achievement in Seagrass Restoration Efforts.

Taipei, April 23 - In a significant stride towards marine conservation, dedicated conservationists in Taiwan marked Earth Day on Tuesday by planting 1,000 seagrass seeds in a temporary propagation site. The seeds, collected earlier this month, represent a crucial step in restoring vital seagrass habitats throughout the island nation.

The Taiwan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reported that the seeds were gathered in two phases from seagrass beds near Haikou Port in Pingtung County, the southernmost region of Taiwan. The seagrass habitat here is recognized as the largest of its type around Taiwan, making it a critical resource for this ambitious restoration project.

These carefully cultivated seeds are destined for expansion efforts within the Fushan Fisheries Resources Conservation Area in Taitung County, on the southeastern coast of Taiwan. The project also aims to repair damaged sections of the Haikou seagrass bed, bolstering the overall health and biodiversity of the marine environment.

This commendable restoration initiative is a collaborative effort, uniting the SPCA, the Eastern Fishery Research Center of the Fisheries Research Institute, and the Taitung District Fishermen's Association.

Shih Yi-ju (施薏茹), a SPCA divisional deputy director, shared that the seagrass bed near Haikou Port spans approximately nine hectares and has remained relatively stable, making it an ideal location for seed collection. This success demonstrates the importance of preserving existing ecosystems.

The primary focus of this project is the restoration of *Thalassia hemprichii* (Pacific turtlegrass), a crucial species that supports marine biodiversity. This seagrass variety provides food for sea turtles and dugongs, highlighting the interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem and its importance.