Kinmen National Park Considers Surveillance Cameras to Combat Illegal Nets in Cihu Wetland
Illegal fishing nets are a persistent problem in Kinmen's Cihu Important Wetland. The Kinmen National Park Headquarters stated on May 21 that it has removed 3,377 nets since 2006. However, no penalties have been issued as the perpetrators cannot be found. The park headquarters is now evaluating the possibility of installing surveillance cameras in the area.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 13:49
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(CNA, Kinmen, May 21) In response to the persistent issue of illegal nets in Kinmen's Cihu Important Wetland, the Kinmen National Park Headquarters (KMNP) stated today that it has cleared 3,377 nets since 2006, but has not yet issued any penalties as the individuals who place them cannot be found. The KMNP also said it would evaluate the installation of surveillance cameras in the surrounding area.
The Cihu wetland, a national-level important wetland in Kinmen, serves as a habitat for migratory birds to winter and rest, a breeding ground for aquatic life, and a feeding area for protected species like the black-faced spoonbill. When illegal nets are discovered through patrols by national park staff, police, or public reporting, the KMNP notifies its contracted vendor to remove them.
Tsai Li-an, Deputy Director of the KMNP, told the media today that illegally placed fishing nets in Cihu affect the activities and survival of birds and other wildlife, potentially causing death by entanglement. The KMNP began irregularly clearing the nets in 2006, removing about 168 per year for a total of 3,377 to date. While violators, if caught, would be fined under the "National Park Act" or "Wetland Conservation Act," it is generally difficult to find them, and there have been no penalty cases so far.
When asked by the media why patrols have not caught any offenders, Tsai explained that limited manpower and a mismatch in patrol timing and locations with when and where people place the nets are challenges. Regarding plans for surveillance cameras, he said none are currently installed in the vicinity, but "we will evaluate it." Tsai noted potential difficulties with installing cameras, including setup and maintenance costs, as well as considering their effectiveness, as it may not be possible to cover the entire lake.
In a press release, the KMNP pointed out that illegal nets not only damage the landscape of Cihu wetland but also pose a potential threat to its ecosystem by causing injury or death to entangled birds and wildlife. The clearing operations involve removing the illegal nets and strengthening patrols and public advisories, hoping to protect the precious natural resources of Cihu wetland through inter-agency cooperation.
The KMNP urged the public to promptly report any sightings of illegally placed nets, illicit fishing, or damage to the wetland environment to the relevant authorities.
The Cihu wetland, a national-level important wetland in Kinmen, serves as a habitat for migratory birds to winter and rest, a breeding ground for aquatic life, and a feeding area for protected species like the black-faced spoonbill. When illegal nets are discovered through patrols by national park staff, police, or public reporting, the KMNP notifies its contracted vendor to remove them.
Tsai Li-an, Deputy Director of the KMNP, told the media today that illegally placed fishing nets in Cihu affect the activities and survival of birds and other wildlife, potentially causing death by entanglement. The KMNP began irregularly clearing the nets in 2006, removing about 168 per year for a total of 3,377 to date. While violators, if caught, would be fined under the "National Park Act" or "Wetland Conservation Act," it is generally difficult to find them, and there have been no penalty cases so far.
When asked by the media why patrols have not caught any offenders, Tsai explained that limited manpower and a mismatch in patrol timing and locations with when and where people place the nets are challenges. Regarding plans for surveillance cameras, he said none are currently installed in the vicinity, but "we will evaluate it." Tsai noted potential difficulties with installing cameras, including setup and maintenance costs, as well as considering their effectiveness, as it may not be possible to cover the entire lake.
In a press release, the KMNP pointed out that illegal nets not only damage the landscape of Cihu wetland but also pose a potential threat to its ecosystem by causing injury or death to entangled birds and wildlife. The clearing operations involve removing the illegal nets and strengthening patrols and public advisories, hoping to protect the precious natural resources of Cihu wetland through inter-agency cooperation.
The KMNP urged the public to promptly report any sightings of illegally placed nets, illicit fishing, or damage to the wetland environment to the relevant authorities.
FAQ
金門慈湖濕地面臨什麼問題？
金門慈湖國家級重要濕地長期存在非法網具問題，這些網具會纏繞並導致鳥類及野生動物死亡，威脅生態。
金管處至今處理了多少非法網具？
自民國95年（2006年）起，金門國家公園管理處已清除了3377件非法網具，平均每年約168件。
為什麼沒有人因為放置非法網具而被處罰？
因為管理單位難以在現場查獲放置者，加上巡查人力有限，時間和地點常與違法者錯開，導致蒐證困難，因此尚無裁罰案例。
金管處考慮採取什麼新措施？
金管處正在評估於慈湖周邊設置監視器的可行性，以科技方式輔助執法，嚇阻非法行為。
設置監視器可能遇到什麼困難？
根據金管處副處長蔡立安的說法，困難包括設置與維護的成本，以及監視器可能無法涵蓋整個湖區，成效需要評估。