Fishermen Accidentally Catch 200kg Leatherback Sea Turtle in Dongshi Waters; Coast Guard Successfully Rescues and Releases
In the waters off Dongshi Waisanding Sandbar in Chiayi County, fishermen accidentally caught a 200kg leatherback sea turtle, identified as a critically endangered species by the Ocean Conservation Administration. The leatherback sea turtle sustained only minor abrasions, and the Coast Guard successfully rescued and released it, marking the first successful live rescue case since the establishment of the Ocean Conservation Administration.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 16:47
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 17:02 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 12, 2026 at 17:27 (25 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Tsai Chih-ming, Chiayi County, 12th) A massive sea turtle was accidentally caught by fishermen yesterday in the waters off Dongshi Waisanding Sandbar. It was identified by the Ocean Conservation Administration as a critically endangered leatherback sea turtle. After assessment, it was found to have only minor abrasions, and the Coast Guard transported it back to the sea.
The Fourth Coastal Patrol Team of the Coast Guard Administration's Central Branch issued a press release today stating that they received a report yesterday from fishermen who had accidentally caught a 200kg sea turtle in the waters off Dongshi Waisanding Sandbar. After a joint inspection by the Ocean Conservation Administration, the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium's veterinary team, and the local government's agriculture department, it was confirmed to be a protected leatherback sea turtle with only minor abrasions, meeting the criteria for immediate release.
The Fourth Coastal Patrol Team stated that with the concerted efforts of all parties, this heavyweight rare visitor was successfully transported back to the sea. This marks the "first successful live rescue and release" case since the establishment of the Ocean Conservation Administration in 2018.
The Fourth Coastal Patrol Team stated that leatherback sea turtles are one of the largest sea turtles in the world, with their backs covered by tough leathery tissue, resembling deep-sea leather armor. As leatherback sea turtles primarily inhabit deep ocean waters, they rarely appear in the shallow, flat terrain of western Taiwan. Their appearance in the waters off Dongshi Waisanding Sandbar surprised the on-site personnel.
The Fourth Coastal Patrol Team appeals to fishermen that if they accidentally catch, find stranded, or injured protected marine life while operating at sea, please immediately call the Coast Guard Administration's "118" reporting hotline. Let's work together to protect the precious lives in this blue ocean and contribute to marine sustainability. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150512
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(Central News Agency reporter Tsai Chih-ming, Chiayi County, 12th) A massive sea turtle was accidentally caught by fishermen yesterday in the waters off Dongshi Waisanding Sandbar. It was identified by the Ocean Conservation Administration as a critically endangered leatherback sea turtle. After assessment, it was found to have only minor abrasions, and the Coast Guard transported it back to the sea.
The Fourth Coastal Patrol Team of the Coast Guard Administration's Central Branch issued a press release today stating that they received a report yesterday from fishermen who had accidentally caught a 200kg sea turtle in the waters off Dongshi Waisanding Sandbar. After a joint inspection by the Ocean Conservation Administration, the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium's veterinary team, and the local government's agriculture department, it was confirmed to be a protected leatherback sea turtle with only minor abrasions, meeting the criteria for immediate release.
The Fourth Coastal Patrol Team stated that with the concerted efforts of all parties, this heavyweight rare visitor was successfully transported back to the sea. This marks the "first successful live rescue and release" case since the establishment of the Ocean Conservation Administration in 2018.
The Fourth Coastal Patrol Team stated that leatherback sea turtles are one of the largest sea turtles in the world, with their backs covered by tough leathery tissue, resembling deep-sea leather armor. As leatherback sea turtles primarily inhabit deep ocean waters, they rarely appear in the shallow, flat terrain of western Taiwan. Their appearance in the waters off Dongshi Waisanding Sandbar surprised the on-site personnel.
The Fourth Coastal Patrol Team appeals to fishermen that if they accidentally catch, find stranded, or injured protected marine life while operating at sea, please immediately call the Coast Guard Administration's "118" reporting hotline. Let's work together to protect the precious lives in this blue ocean and contribute to marine sustainability. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150512
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.