Pingtung's First Bluefin Tuna Auction Sets New Record at NT$10,600 Per Kilogram
The first bluefin tuna auction of the year was held at Donggang Fishing Port, marking the start of Pingtung's Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival. The tuna, caught by the 'Fu Yu Qing No. 2' fishing boat, weighed 190 kg and was sold for a record-breaking NT$10,600 per kilogram, totaling NT$2.014 million. The festival will run from May 2nd to July 5th.
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- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 15:55
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The Pingtung's first bluefin tuna auction was held today at the Donggang Fishing Port fish market, kicking off this year's Pingtung Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival. The 'Fu Yu Qing No. 2' fishing boat from Liuqiu, which caught the first tuna, entered the port. Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Huang Chao-chin, Fisheries Agency Director Wang Mao-cheng, AIT Kaohsiung Branch Director Neil Gibson, and Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office Director Osamu Oku boarded the boat to crown and tag the first tuna. After weighing, Chou Chun-mi and Wang Mao-cheng jointly announced that this year's first tuna measured 214 cm in length and weighed 190 kg.
The bidding was enthusiastic, and the tuna was ultimately won jointly by Jia Zhen Seafood Restaurant and Peng Fang Co., Ltd., at a price of NT$10,600 per kilogram, an increase of NT$300 from last year, setting a new record. The total amount was NT$2,014,000.
Xiao Shou-fa, owner of Jia Zhen Seafood Restaurant, won the bid for the 12th time, and Chang Chun-mei, General Manager of Peng Fang, won for the 4th time. The first tuna will be split equally between the two. Both expressed their hope to support fishermen, acknowledging their hard work. Xiao Shou-fa mentioned that he would donate all proceeds from selling his share to disadvantaged children and youth.
Hong Fu-chia, the 67-year-old captain of 'Fu Yu Qing No. 2,' started fishing at 14. This was his first time catching the first tuna in his 53 years at sea. He happily told the media that he hadn't intended to catch a bluefin tuna, but 'accidentally caught one.' The process was tense, taking half an hour, and the hook used for marlin was straightened. He almost let it get away, considering himself lucky to have caught it.
Chou Chun-mi stated that Pingtung's first tuna in 2026 is also Taiwan's first tuna, and the entire process was recorded. The gills and internal organs were removed to ensure freshness. She also thanked the buyers for jointly setting a new auction price. The Pingtung Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival will start on May 2nd, and now is the perfect time to taste bluefin tuna. The public is welcome to participate in Donggang.
The Donggang District Fishermen's Association stated that the Pingtung County Government plans to hold the Bluefin Tuna Festival from May 2nd to July 5th, including an opening ocean concert, gourmet promotion banquets, a large tuna market, Liuqiu music concerts, classic nights, and other activities. It will also combine local business discounts and High-Speed Rail holiday packages to enrich the event. Details can be found on the official event website or the 'Pingtung County Government Department of Communications and International Affairs' Facebook page. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150408
The bidding was enthusiastic, and the tuna was ultimately won jointly by Jia Zhen Seafood Restaurant and Peng Fang Co., Ltd., at a price of NT$10,600 per kilogram, an increase of NT$300 from last year, setting a new record. The total amount was NT$2,014,000.
Xiao Shou-fa, owner of Jia Zhen Seafood Restaurant, won the bid for the 12th time, and Chang Chun-mei, General Manager of Peng Fang, won for the 4th time. The first tuna will be split equally between the two. Both expressed their hope to support fishermen, acknowledging their hard work. Xiao Shou-fa mentioned that he would donate all proceeds from selling his share to disadvantaged children and youth.
Hong Fu-chia, the 67-year-old captain of 'Fu Yu Qing No. 2,' started fishing at 14. This was his first time catching the first tuna in his 53 years at sea. He happily told the media that he hadn't intended to catch a bluefin tuna, but 'accidentally caught one.' The process was tense, taking half an hour, and the hook used for marlin was straightened. He almost let it get away, considering himself lucky to have caught it.
Chou Chun-mi stated that Pingtung's first tuna in 2026 is also Taiwan's first tuna, and the entire process was recorded. The gills and internal organs were removed to ensure freshness. She also thanked the buyers for jointly setting a new auction price. The Pingtung Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival will start on May 2nd, and now is the perfect time to taste bluefin tuna. The public is welcome to participate in Donggang.
The Donggang District Fishermen's Association stated that the Pingtung County Government plans to hold the Bluefin Tuna Festival from May 2nd to July 5th, including an opening ocean concert, gourmet promotion banquets, a large tuna market, Liuqiu music concerts, classic nights, and other activities. It will also combine local business discounts and High-Speed Rail holiday packages to enrich the event. Details can be found on the official event website or the 'Pingtung County Government Department of Communications and International Affairs' Facebook page. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150408
FAQ
How much was Pingtung's first bluefin tuna sold for?
It was sold for NT$10,600 per kilogram, totaling NT$2,014,000.
When is the Pingtung Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival held?
It will be held from May 2nd to July 5th.