Tofu Sharks

[coastal]

Hello to all. Talk about whale sharks in the China Pacific and no one will have a clue what you are talking about, even if you said it in Chinese. Here they are called Tofu sharks.



The NTOU National Taiwan Ocean University has a large programe on marine conservation/protection. By this with in the Taiwan EEZ there is virtualy no fishing, and no fishing by large boats. Indeed while Taiwan has the 7th largest fleet (by weight) in the world and the 2nd largest tuna fleet, this is all distant water work.



WHY.

Good question.. the simple reason is that Taiwan (Republic of China) is not a part of the UN (there can only be one china etc). Therefore all the Taiwan catch goes to japan and mostly the west.

Actual food stuffs eaten in Taiwan are aqua-culture (world leader). AS for the Tofu shark, the catch was at 80 4 years ago (never achieved), now the catch is at 20 and not thought of as a worthwhile pursuit.



In short, Taiwan is doind a great job inside its own EEZ, yet distant water, due to politics, Taiwan make a large catch for sale to YOU.



With regards Scott

www.coastalpursuits.com

 MSc Marine Resource management

 Bsc Marine Geography

 MSDT 203697

[Dennis Beros]

Hi Scott,



You post is very interesting! You are saying that tofu shark is sold to Japan and the West - do you know which countries it is selling into?

[Brad Norman]

Hi Scott

I am curious / dubious about your comments....Japan is a signatory to CITES; Whale Sharks are listed on Appendix II under CITES.....can you point us to information on trade with Japan (and/or other western countries)?

Thanks

Brad.



PS. I look forward to further clarification from others on the list.

[coastal]

Taiwan is not a part of the UN. There is the ROC and the PRC while both have China in the name, the UN only excepts the PRC. This, then, enables the ROC (Republic of China, aka Taiwan) to act a a conduit for other nation states that are under the UN umberella.

This is a common occurance throughout, and while the US (and I am not one of the many US dislikers) twists every possible rule to fit its own schedule, this problem in the ROC has been allowed through the UN charter. For example, could you the dubious thinker, explain to me the boundaries of the Taiwan EEZ. This you should have some fun with. Yet like all, I love debate. For more information on Taiwan fisheries, stocks, catch, bycatch, fleet size, crew make up and policy please refer to my dissertation on, "Taiwan Fisheries in the South China Sea". For useless talk, please look at official hand outs. Its all about implimtation Norman. next time you are in the China Pacific, I will be more than happy to take you out on a fishing trip. You can then hear for yourself that the Taiwanese captains value marine conservation, yet demand from the west via many nodal points has and is causing issues. If there is an issue with Oil and or any type of fisheries,all eyes here look east of 120 degrees.



Regards Scott



You can order a copy of the dissertation from.





Scott Stevens Msc

Taiwan Fisheries in the South China Sea

Heriot-Watt Univeristy, Edinbourgh

ICIT, Orkney

Scotland

UK



Or from

National Taiwan Ocean University

(This is the Tofu Shark research center)



Dofu-shaYu











How

[James Catlin]

Hi Scott



Lets bring the discussion back to the Whale Shark Statement of Concern (WSSC). I have recently communicated with Susie Watts who stated that she and Rebecca Chen have spoken to Professor Joung, and he advised them that the whale shark quota in Taiwan has been met easily within the past few years. While there are other issues regarding the sale and importation/exportation of whale shark meat, the WSSC is focusing on the Taiwanese quota and issue of whale shark meat in Taiwan.



Whale sharks are a threatened species. This initiative and discussion relating to the WSSC is aimed at assisting one important aspect of whale shark conservation.



Regards



James Catlin

[coastal]

James, because a few people talk about something it does not give the subject much weight. May I suggest you read the following, it will realy give you a stronger understanding of the regional issues.



'Fisheries Management Frameworks Of The Countries Boardering The South China Sea" (Asia Pacific Fisheries Commission)



Taiwan for a FACT "has not filled its tofu shark catch in the last 6 years" (From Prof Ni head of NTOU marine resourse dept). Simply becuase there is no demand. However, I am sure if I talk to any marine environmental minded person (generaly western and a non speaker of Chinese), they will speak with emotion opposed to a deep understanding. And seriously, on the 6th I am taking a boat out of jeelung (Kelung) diving with some tofu's. So if you are in Taiwan, or any of your friends are, please get them to contact me. Location Pung Ja Yu.



Best regards Scott