As an island nation surrounded by the ocean, Taiwan possesses abundant marine resources and rich marine biodiversity. In 2018, the establishment of the Ocean Affairs Council marked an important milestone in advancing integrated marine governance. This was followed by the promulgation of the Ocean Basic Act in 2019 and the release of the National Ocean Policy White Paper in 2020, which together established the policy framework for Taiwan’s ocean governance and sustainable marine development.

The draft Marine Conservation Act was first announced in 2019. After extensive public consultation, inter-agency coordination, public hearings, and legislative review, the Act was passed by the Legislative Yuan on July 12, 2024, and promulgated by the President on July 31, 2024. The Act consists of 5 chapters, 31 articles, and 8 supplementary resolutions, making it Taiwan’s first comprehensive legislation dedicated specifically to marine ecological conservation.
The Act aims to protect marine ecosystems, conserve marine biodiversity, and improve the effectiveness of marine protected area management. It authorizes the competent authority to designate Marine Sanctuaries, recognize Marine OECMs, regulate prohibited or restricted activities, conduct ecological restoration, and dispatch marine conservation observers. In addition, the Act incorporates mechanisms such as review committees, public hearings, whistleblower incentives, indigenous traditional-use protections, and public interest litigation to balance conservation objectives with sustainable marine use and public participation.

Sub-laws related to the Marine Conservation Act

To support implementation, the Act will be accompanied by one overarching marine protected area management policy framework and 16 subsidiary regulations governing marine conservation management and related administrative procedures.