Yesterday, the Shei-Pa National Park Management Office held a ceremonial adoption plaque unveiling with Shengshi Gold Industry at the Wuling Taiwan Cherry Salmon Ecological Center, launching a collaborative conservation model for this national treasure fish. A survey conducted by the park management office two years ago reported that the population of Taiwan Cherry Salmon reached a historic high of 18,630 individuals. Despite challenges from the Hualien earthquake and several typhoons last year, the salmon population only decreased by just over 1,000 fish, marking the second-highest recorded number in history. The management office emphasized that data indicates a stabilization of wild salmon populations, which are not significantly impacted by weather factors.
During the ceremony, local community members from Huan Mountain Tribe and students from Pingdeng Elementary School participated in traditional Atayal songs and dances, showcasing the unique cultural charm of the area. The new model represents a significant step forward in protecting Taiwan Cherry Salmon. Future collaborations will involve community members and students working alongside the management office and Shengshi Gold Industry in conservation patrols and environmental education initiatives.
According to survey data from June to October last year, the Qijiawan and Hehuan Creek basins are primary distribution areas for Taiwan Cherry Salmon, with populations of 8,684 and 7,300 respectively. Additionally, between July and September, 1,000 juvenile fish were successfully released into the Sijielan Creek, expanding their habitat range. Lin Wenhe, director of the management office, expressed gratitude to Shengshi Gold Industry for providing funding for conservation efforts. This collaboration not only advances salmon conservation but also integrates tribal culture with natural ecology.
Shengshi Gold Industry's chairman, Qiu Yanyu, highlighted that this adoption collaboration is not just about protecting the rare Taiwan Cherry Salmon species but also respects and gives back to the natural environment and tribal culture. The company hopes to inspire more enterprises and individuals to participate in safeguarding these precious species on this land.
The management office anticipates that through cross-domain cooperation among government entities, businesses, tribes, and students, future conservation work for Taiwan Cherry Salmon will include habitat maintenance, preservation of genetic resources, monitoring and release efforts. Additionally, it aims to enhance public awareness regarding high mountain stream environmental protection by integrating local tribal fish protection patrols into educational efforts. More salmon conservation actions and environmental education activities will be launched soon, with hopes that Taiwan's "national treasure fish" can freely swim among high mountain streams as a cherished heritage protected by all.
