Sea Urchin Poaching Controversy: Xiang Guang-zhao, DPP Nominee for Magong City Representative, Resigns from Party

(Central News Agency, Penghu County, July 3) Xiang Guang-zhao, a candidate nominated by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to run for City Representative in Magong's First Constituency, announced his resignation from the party today and stepped down as an executive committee member of the county party headquarters, due to alleged illegal harvesting of purple sea urchins.

The DPP Penghu County Headquarters stated that it has received Xiang Guang-zhao's application for party resignation and his resignation from the executive committee of the Penghu County Headquarters. The county headquarters will process the matter in accordance with party rules and relevant procedures, and once again expresses its deep regret for causing public attention and concerns from all sectors.

The DPP Penghu County Headquarters stated that Mr. Xiang is currently undergoing judicial proceedings for alleged illegal harvesting of purple sea urchins, and they respect the judicial and law enforcement agencies' investigation according to law. Any involvement in illegal cases should be investigated and handled according to law, without any differential treatment due to personal status or party background.

The DPP Penghu County Headquarters pointed out that the Democratic Progressive Party has always adhered to the core values of marine sustainability and conservation of natural resources. Penghu's precious marine resources belong to all people and need to be cherished and protected by all. Any act that violates relevant conservation regulations should serve as a warning, and we should jointly maintain the sustainable development of Penghu's marine ecology and fishery resources.

To slow down the depletion of wild purple sea urchin populations, the Penghu County Government has stipulated that the fishing ban period is from September to June each year, with only July and August open for harvesting and selling sea urchins with a shell diameter of 8 cm or larger.

On June 30, on the eve of the opening of the harvesting season, Xiang Guang-zhao and five others went out to sea to illegally harvest purple sea urchins in the Baisha sea area. Penghu District Prosecutors Office investigators apprehended them red-handed. The six individuals were each released on bail ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$60,000. (Editor: Yang Sheng-ru) 1150703

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