Beach Cleanup at Pingtung's Jiupeng Surf Base Collects 815 kg of Marine Waste

(Central News Agency, Pingtung County, 5th, Reporter Huang Yujing) In response to World Environment Day and National Oceans Day, the Pingtung County Environmental Protection Bureau today mobilized 13 public and private units and over 200 participants for a beach and ocean cleanup at the Jiupeng Surf Base in Manzhou Township. A total of 815 kg of various types of marine debris was cleared from the coastline to the seabed.

Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi called on the public to practice "no littering, a plastic-reduced new lifestyle" when engaging with the ocean, reducing the use of disposable plastic products in daily life, and properly sorting garbage and recycling resources to jointly improve marine pollution. She emphasized that protecting the ocean is not only the government's responsibility but requires the participation of all citizens. The county government will continue to promote ocean and beach cleanups and environmental education, working with the public to create a clean, safe, and sustainable marine environment, leaving a precious blue asset for the next generation.

According to a press release from the Pingtung County Environmental Protection Bureau today, the event "Jiupeng Gathering – 2026 Pingtung County Summer Ocean and Beach Cleanup for the Ocean" mobilized 13 public and private units and over 200 enthusiastic participants. They took concrete action at the Jiupeng Surf Base in Manzhou Township to protect Pingtung's precious marine environment, removing approximately 815 kg of marine debris.

The bureau stated that the problem of marine debris is very serious, especially plastic waste, which does not decompose easily. Once in the ocean, it not only damages coastal scenery but can also be ingested by marine life, accumulating through the food chain and ultimately affecting human health and ecological balance. The wide variety of marine debris cleared during this event once again highlights that the issue of marine pollution cannot be ignored.

In addition to the beach cleanup, the bureau's passionate divers, along with local volunteer divers, formed "Ocean Diving Warriors" to dive into the sea for underwater cleanup missions. They protected the marine environment comprehensively from the coastline to the seabed, hauling up discarded fishing nets, plastic garbage, and various types of floating debris, demonstrating their determination and action to safeguard the marine environment.

The bureau said this event combined the efforts of central and local government agencies, communities, and enterprises. Public sector participants included the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the Kenting National Park Headquarters, the Pingtung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the Sixth Coastal Patrol of the Southern Branch of the Coast Guard Administration, the 14th Maritime Patrol of the Fleet Branch of the Coast Guard Administration, and the Manzhou Township Office. Community groups included the Fangliao Township Donghai Environmental Protection Development Association, as well as local community development associations from Hengchun Township's Shanjiao and Chengbei areas and Manzhou Township's Jiupeng area. The private company Shinfox Far East Co., Ltd. also independently formed a team to participate. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150605