Second Investigative Hearing into Assault Against Wild at Heart Director at Meeting Involving Humpback Dolphins

From Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association.

Environmental groups protest violence against Robin Winkler (centre) in front of Taipei District Prosecutors Office.


On Friday 25th January, environmental groups rallied in front of the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to express support for Robin Winkler, Director of Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, who was physically assaulted by Yunlin County speaker Su Chin-huang at a meeting at the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) offices in Taipei on 7 November 2007. The meeting concerned the Formosa Plastics Steel Mill in Yunlin County, which is believed would have harmful impacts on the struggling population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the west coast waters of Taiwan.

Trouble broke out during the fifth subcommittee meeting for the project when the subject of the project’s impacts on the dolphins was raised. Some project proponents made false claims that photographs of the dolphins had been taken abroad, and not in Taiwan. Environmental groups defended the evidence of the dolphins’ presence in Yunlin County. (Scientific reports and photographic records already prove beyond any doubt that the dolphins are to be found in the shallow coastal waters of Yunlin County around the proposed site of this development.)

Su, whose brother had disputed the presence of the dolphins, later followed Robin Winkler out of the meeting room and punched him twice, leaving him heavily bruised.

Dr. Liao Pen-chuan addresses media, Taipei District Prosecutors Office.

The environmental groups who attended the protest on Friday, which included the Green Formosa Front; Taiwan Environmental Protection Union; Raging Citizens Act Now; Society of Wilderness; Green Party Taiwan; Taiwan Academy of Ecology; and Tsaoshan Literature, History and Ecology Union, called out their condemnation of the Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) and Su’s violent act, which is believed to reflect the notoriously high level of collusion between the government, the mafia and powerful commercial interests in Yunlin County and the concern of those interest groups that the dolphins might swim in the way of lucrative construction contracts.

Dr. Liao Pen-chuan of Taiwan Academy of Ecology and Assistant Professor at National Taipei University explained that FPG’s influence extends to local government and mafia, whom it used at the meeting last year to threaten and intimidate environmental groups.

Formosa Plastics Group smokestacks at Mailiao Industrial Zone, Yunlin

After the incident in November, environmental groups also seriously criticized the EPA for its failure to do anything when its in-house security found out almost immediately that Mr Winkler had been attacked, and effectively siding with FPG, which is known for its sky-high CO2 emissions and other forms of pollution in Taiwan and abroad.

An inquiry is being held into the incident, with the second hearing having taken place on Friday shortly after the protest.

Also see:

Protesters accuse the EPA of protecting big business

Environmental activists denounce EPA

Climate change parade planned Dec. 8 - TEPU

The Executive Yuan Responds to call for Immediate Protection Measures for Taiwan’s Humpback Dolphins

On January 9 the Executive Yuan agreed to respond to calls that the government stop evading its responsibility and ignoring the country’s Wildlife Protection Act, and to begin taking meaningful actions to conserve and protect the unique population of Taiwan humpback dolphins.

The Executive Yuan has responded saying (see below) that they have referred the matter to the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD), an entity that is dysfunctional to say the least. The NCSD have no power and no resources so it can hardly be expected that they will be able to do anything. The NCSD has given the matter over to its Biodiversity Committee.

The attitude of the Executive Yuan is disappointing and only serves to highlight how the government continues to evade their responsibility concerning environmental issues. It would seem that the only thing that seems to help the government understand environmental issues is mass protests and international pressure.


Letter from the Executive Yuan to the National Council for Sustainable Development

From: Secretariat of the Executive Yuan
To: National Council for Sustainable Development
(Duplicates sent to the Council of Agriculture and Robin Winkler, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association.)
14.1.2008

Regarding Taiwan Academy of Ecology and other environmental groups presenting a petition on 9.1.2008 for protection of the endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins off the west coast of Taiwan and urging the government to research and propose a conservation plan and action plan, we send you [this information] and request that the National Council for Sustainable Development act as contact window and communication coordinator for this case and within 2 weeks consult with relevant organizations to research and handle [this matter] and keep [the Executive Yuan] informed.


Letter from the National Council for Sustainable Development to its Biodiversity Committee

From: Secretariat of the National Council for Sustainable Development
To: Biodiversity Committee [of the National Council for Sustainable Development]
(Duplicates sent to the Council of Agriculture and Robin Winkler, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association.)
17.1.2008

Regarding Taiwan Academy of Ecology and other environmental groups delivering a petition to the Executive Yuan on 9.1.08 for the protection of the endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins along the west coast of Taiwan and urging the government to propose a conservation plan as soon as possible, we request that, within two weeks, the Biodiversity Committee [of the National Council for Sustainable Development] consult with relevant organizations with regards to the appeals made in that petition, undertake research and handling of the issue, and reply [to the NGOs] and also inform this Secretariat and the Executive Yuan.


Also see:
Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in peril, says newly-formed international scientific working group

Taiwan down 16 places on the EPI

The Taipower power plant at Wuchi, Taichung. Recently named in Nature Magazine as the world's dirtiest power plant.


Taiwan has dropped sixteen places to No. 40 according to this year's edition of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The EPI rates international environmental performance and is released annually by environmental specialists at Yale University and Columbia University. In last year's EPI Taiwan ranked No. 24. With Taiwan's emissions records this isn't surprising and only serves to highlight Taiwan's abysmal environmental record and just how much Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) seems to be bending over backwards to accommodate developers. In recent months we have seen highly controversial projects like the Hushan Dam Project just steamrolled through the EIA process with many questioning the legality of these actions. Clearly, Taiwan risks further isolation if they don't start cleaning up their act and doing something about their environmental record.

See Taiwan drops 16 spots in environmental protection in today's Taipei Times.

Taiwan slides to 40th in survey of environmental performance

Taiwan's Pink Dolphins in the Canadian Media Again

The Taiwan humpback dolphins have made it into a Canadian newspaper again. Two weeks ago The Peterborough Examiner ran an article titled Saving the dolphins; Professor Bradley White leads a team of Trent researchers in trying to save the rare Indo-Pacific pink humpback dolphin which is on the verge of extinction.

Last Wednesday Professor Bradley White was interviewed by Daily Planet - a daily science TV news show on the Discovery Canada Channel.


Also see:
Canadian scientists race to save Taiwan's rare pink dolphins

Rare Dolphins of Taiwan Get a Helping Hand from Trent Scientists

Wind-power: Vestas opens a subsidiary in Taiwan

The Taipei Times reports that leading wind-power firm Vestas Wind Systems A/S of Denmark opened a subsidiary company in Taiwan on Thursday, saying the nation was an "ideal place" to develop the alternative energy source. The Taipei Times quotes Thorbjorn Rasmussen, president of Vestas Asia Pacific, as saying, "Taiwan relies on imports for its energy needs, has environmental concerns and has a shallow seashore on its west coast, so it is an ideal place to develop wind power." The article claims that Vestas hopes to install 2,000 megawatts in wind-power projects by 2010.

Rasmussen's comment is alarming. The shallow seashore on the west coast is prime humpback dolphin habitat. Noise and disturbance associated with construction was one of the five major threats identified by the international team of experts at the 2007 International Workshop on the Taiwan Humpback Dolphins.

How Vestas views the plight of the unique Taiwan humpback dolphins remains to be seen. One thing is sure and that is that the development of windfarms on the west coast is going to have a very negative impact on the small and struggling population of Taiwan humpback dolphins.

See:
The impact of wind farm construction on the Humpback Dolphins

Vestas opens Taiwan office to expand presence

European Vestas opens Taiwan office

Nation tilts toward using wind power

Report of the 2nd International Workshop on Conservation & Research Needs of the Eastern Taiwan Straight Population of Indo-Pacific humpback Dolphins

Click to view a copy of the Report of the Second International Workshop on Conservation and Research Needs of the Eastern Taiwan Straight Population of Indo-Pacific humpback Dolphins, Sousa chinensis, held from the 4-7 September 2007, in Changhua City, Taiwan.


Also see:
2004 Report

2009 ETS Sousa Habitat Workshop

Summary of local Taiwanese press coverage of the establishment of the ETS Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Technical Advisory Working Group

The following is a brief summary of local Taiwanese press coverage in the Mandarin speaking media covering the establishment of the Eastern Taiwan Strait Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG).

Newspapers:

China Times
Humpback dolphins in peril - environmental groups urge government to take action, 2008.01.10.

Sudden death of oyster larvae - aquaculture industry sounds the alarm, 2008.01.10.

United Daily News
Save the Humpback Dolphins


Radio

Radio Taiwan International
Save Taiwan's National Treasure: "Taiwan Sousa Working Group" established today, 2008.01.09.

Distinctive exterior markings - Taiwan's Humpback Dolphins are Unique, 2008.01.09.


Online News Sites

The Central News Agency, CNA
Humpback dolphins in peril - Environmental groups urge Government to take action, 2008.01.09.

Yahoo News
Over-developed western coast, Humpback Dolphins are endangered, 2008.01.09.

Television


Public Television Service
Humpback dolphins are endangered, Environmental groups urge Government to take action, 2008.01.09.

Also see:

Summary of the English press coverage of the establishment of the Eastern Taiwan Strait Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Technical Advisory Working Group

Taiwan Pink Dolphin Videos

A fishing boat captain recently shot some video of the Taiwan pink dolphins. The video clips are on his blog. The blog is in Chinese but this Video Clip 1

Video Clip 2

Video Clip 3


Also see:
Video Footage of Taiwan's Humpback Dolphins - Right In Front Of Formosa Plastics!

Summary of the press coverage of the establishment of the Eastern Taiwan Strait Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Technical Advisory Working Group

This week saw the announcement of the establishment of the Eastern Taiwan Strait Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG). ETSSTAWG is an international team of 17 scientists dedicated to the plight of Taiwan’s remaining Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis). ETSSTAWG will provide expert advice, guidance and scrutiny related to conservation issues for this isolated and endangered population of dolphins, at the request of stakeholders, policymakers, agency officials, and other interested parties. What follows is a summary of local press coverage (English) and comments.

Newspapers

Taipei Times:

1. Groups make bid to save 'Matsu fish'

The article starts by stating 'The dolphins are also known as "Matsu fish" because they generally appear along the west coast around the March birthday of the sea goddess.' This is misleading as it implies that these dolphins aren't resident and only appear at certain times of the year. In fact, the dolphins are frequently seen throughout the summer and have been spotted during some winter months, including December, so would appear to be resident.

The Taiwan Strait is influenced by the north-easterly wind, and for three quarters of the year, the turbulent sea is covered in whitecaps, making observation of a white-coloured dolphin difficult (Humpback dolphins are not charismatic jumpers so generally just dorsal fins and parts of the back can be observed.). After about the middle of the third month of the lunar calendar, the sea becomes calmer, and the dolphins become easier to distinguish from the waves. The birthday of the sea goddess Matsu falls around this time, on the 23rd of the third month of the lunar calendar. Therefore, it is said that these dolphins appear in the area to wish Matsu a happy birthday.

The article also incorrectly refers to the "Matsu's Fish Conservation Union" as the "Matsu Fish Protection Alliance."

The article also states that Ecology Academy General Secretary Chen Bing-heng had said 'conservation experts from countries such as Canada, Japan and the US passed a resolution in an international conservation seminar in Taiwan in September establishing a consultancy group that offers assistance on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins conservation.' Chen was speaking in Mandarin and it would seem that some of what he said has been misinterpreted.

Firstly, Chen is Secretary General of the Taiwan Academy of Ecology. The "seminar" would in fact be the Second International Workshop on the Conservation and Research Needs of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, Sousa chinensis, in the waters of western Taiwan held in Changhua City in September 2007, hosted by the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (Taiwan) and co-hosted by FormosaCetus Research & Conservation Group, and Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association. The workshop included several government departments and international NGOs amongst its sponsors. This workshop was clearly more than just a "seminar."

There wasn't a resolution passed at the September workshop establishing a consultancy group but rather an undertaking to form a steering committee tasked with putting together and establishing a scientific advisory group. The advisory group, the Eastern Taiwan Strait Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG), was formally established in Washington DC on 8th January 2008.


2. CPC, Formosa ordered to study impact on dolphins

The article starts by stating 'The government has sought measures to protect endangered dolphins before CPC Corp, Taiwan and Formosa Plastics Group spend US$20 billion on chemicals and steel plants on the west coast.' The article does not elaborate on what those measures are but implies that the government has sought specific protection measures. Humpback dolphins were listed as a protected species under Taiwan's Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) before the Eastern Taiwan Strait population was discovered in 2002. Nothing specifically has been added to its already existing protected species status so the government hasn't taken additional measures to protect the dolphins under the WPA.

The government has through co-sponsorship of two dolphin workshops shown some desire to learn a little more about the dolphins but have not acted on the recommendations made in the workshop to address the plight of the dolphins. If these actions can be interpreted as the government seeking measures to protect the endangered dolphins before CPC Corp, and Formosa Plastics Group spend US$20 billion on chemicals and steel plants on the west coast would be highly debatable.

Edward Huang, director-general of the Environmental Protection Administration's planning department, is quoted as saying 'If the dolphins are found near the sites, the companies will have to come up with measures to ensure these animals won't be disturbed' and 'Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are endangered and it's an international practise to project them.' Clearly, the dolphins are found around the sites as international scientific peer-reviewed papers presenting evidence of their presence show. The fact that Edward Huang refuses to acknowledge this only serves to highlight the concerns of environmental groups that the EPA seems to favour developers and neglects its duty of protecting the environment.

Roy Chiu, president of Kuokuang Petrochemical Technology Co, a venture led by state-run oil refiner CPC, and the Formosa Plastics Group is quoted as saying 'We don't think Kuokuang will affect the habitat of the dolphins' and 'We would like to know what we can do, and we know very little.' These statements from Chiu are disturbing. If Kuokuang knows very little then they only have themselves to blame. Clearly, after published research, peer-reviewed papers, recommendations and action plans resulting from two international workshops there is information out there and now Chiu has the expertise of ETSSTAWG to call on. Also, if Chiu knows very little then how can he say that he doesn't think Kuokuang will affect the habitat of the dolphins. That's a very irresponsible statement for the president of Kuokuang to make and very poor logic that clearly shows Chiu’s bias and self-interests in these statements.

There were five threats identified in the second workshop, by-catch in fishing gear; reclamation of estuarine and coastal regions for industrial purposes; diversion and extraction of freshwater from major river systems of western Taiwan; release of industrial, agricultural and municipal effluent into rivers and coastal waters; and noise and disturbance associated with construction, shipping and military activities. How Chiu can state that he doesn't think Kuokuang will affect the habitat of the dolphins is absurd. Reclamation of estuarine and coastal regions for industrial purposes is taking place. The projects rely on water from the controversial Hushan Dam Project that will reduce the flow of freshwater into the Jhoushui River Estuary. Hushan Dam is being built to supply water to these very projects. The projects are already creating noise and disturbance associated with construction through the reclaiming of land and this will increase as the projects progress. Finally, these projects will result in an increase in emissions that will result in the release of industrial effluent into the surrounding coastal waters.

Additionally, Chiu stated that 'A one-year study commissioned by Kuokuang did not spot any of the dolphins near the proposed site.' This study only dedicated three days of offshore survey, by observers whose cetacean survey experience is questionable at best, to look for cetaceans. That's hardly enough time to clearly ascertain the status of the humpback dolphins in and around the proposed site. Highly experienced and internationally respected researchers have already documented the presence of these dolphins in this area with video footage and numerous photographs.

Photo, DOLPHINS ON THEIR MINDS.
The five paper dolphins in the photo represent the five major threats to the dolphins.


China Post

Small party urges gov't to address environment

This article quotes Taipei based lawyer Robin J. Winkler as saying 'These dolphins could be extinct within 20 years ... if the government doesn't protect their habitat.' On approaching Winkler for comment he says this was taken out of context as he had explained he was not a scientist but added something like twenty years would not be far off and these dolphins most likely would become extinct sooner if immediate action isn't taken to protect them.

It should also be noted that the article identifies Winkler as a member of the advisory committee to the Green Party Taiwan. This is true but Winkler wasn't just there in his capacity of a Green Party advisor. Winkler is also director and founder of Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, which is the secretariat of the Matsu's Fish Conservation Union.


Taiwan News

Protecting dolphins
This article is a summary of the CPC, Formosa ordered to study impact on dolphins article that appeared in the Taipei Times. See comments for that article.


Online Government News Sites

Taiwan Headlines

Gov't urged to save endangered Chinese white dolphins
This article gives the mass of a humpback dolphin as weigh between 80 and 100 kg. This is incorrect. Humpback dolphins weigh considerably more. Reeves, R.R. et al. 2002 gives the weight as: Male 260kg and Female 170kg.

CNA

Gov't urged to save endangered Chinese white dolphins
This is the same article as in Taiwan Headlines.


Radio

Radio Taiwan International

Paper Dolphin Photo
Radio Taiwan International covered events in a broadcast at 19:00 9 January 2008 and carried a photo on their website.


Also see:

Summary of local Taiwanese press coverage of the establishment of the ETS Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Technical Advisory Working Group

Greenhouse gas reduction office opens

Formosa Plastics (FPG), Mailiao. FPG, which tops the list of industrial CO2 emissions, has yet to join the EPA's new emissions reduction program.


Yesterday the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) opened its Greenhouse Gas Reduction Management Office. The EPA has been urging businesses to voluntarily join its emissions reduction program. To date fifty-four businesses have done so but Formosa Plastics Group, which tops the list for industrial emissions in Taiwan, has yet to join.

FPG's current development directly poses threats to the Taiwan humpback dolphins through habitat loss resulting from current and planned land reclamation projects. Many of their development projects will be supplied with water from the controversial Hushan Dam Project which will reduce the flow of fresh water into the Jhoushui River Estuary further degrading habitat critical to the survival of the small and unique population Taiwan humpback dolphins. The Hushan Dam Project is destroying over 400 hectares of the vulnerable Fairy Pitta's most important breeding area.

Environmentalists remain unconvinced that this is nothing more than green-washing as the EPA seems to do little more than talk about cutting CO2 emissions and still seems set on a pro-development course.

See today's Taipei Times for the story.

Government Agrees to Respond within Two Weeks to call for Immediate Protection Measures for Taiwan’s Humpback Dolphins

Protesters outside the Executive Yuan at the Wednesday protest.

Taipei: Local green groups groups including Matsu’s Fish Conservation Union, Yunlin Ecological Conservation Union, Green Party Taiwan and Society of Wilderness held a press conference in front of the Executive Yuan on Wednesday January 9 in response to an announcement by a new team of international experts regarding concern for the survival of Taiwan’s unique Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis. The local groups called upon the Taiwanese government to stop evading its responsibility and ignoring the country’s Wildlife Protection Act, and to begin immediate consultations with the Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG) as a crucial first step towards preventing this distinct Taiwanese population from disappearing, and towards protecting Taiwan’s biodiversity. After the press conference, several representatives entered the Executive Yuan to present a petition to the government.

The press conference began at 10am in front of the Executive Yuan with a skit by the participating groups, who called out “Protect Taiwan’s National Treasure!” and “Stop Formosa Steel and Kuokuang Petrochemical from destroying the humpback dolphins’ habitat!” They demanded that the government take fast, practical steps to protect the dolphin population.

After the press conference, representatives of the groups entered the Executive Yuan to present their petition. Representatives included Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association Director Robin Winkler, Taiwan Academy of Ecology Executive Secretary Chen Bing-heng, Matsu’s Fish Conservation Union Secretary Gan Chen-yi, Society of Wilderness Conservation Department Director Chou Dong-han, Taiwan Environmental Protection Union Researcher Wu Ying-ying, Taiwan Sustainable Union Director Chen Chien-chih and Yunlin Ecological Conservation Union Executive Secretary Chiu Chien-fang. The representatives were received in the Executive Yuan by the Director of Section 5 of the Executive Yuan, Ms. Siao, Deputy Director of the Forestry Bureau Mr. Lee Tao-sheng and Director of the Conservation Division of the Forestry Bureau Mr. Fang Guo-yun.

Four requests were made in the petition:

1. That the Executive Yuan give a formal response to the petition within two weeks.

2. That the Executive Yuan produce an Action Plan within two months, at the very least proposing policies regarding the five major threats faced by the dolphin population as identified at the international workshop held in September 2007 in Changhua.

3. That all discussion must be guaranteed to be kept totally open and transparent, through measures including public hearings for discussion on all related issues and allowing international groups sufficient opportunity to participate and for their opinions to be heard. These principles should be applied to the production of the aforementioned Action Plan and all subsequent planning and action.

4. That a Minister Without Portfolio should be appointed as the Executive Yuan’s window for this issue, to coordinate policies and participation between central and local government departments and to act as the main point of contact for interest groups concerned in any way with Taiwan’s humpback dolphins. All contact between government and non-governmental organizations and all information regarding development projects in the region which may impact upon the dolphins’ habitat must be kept public and transparent and open to participation by the general public.

During the discussion which followed, Mr. Robin Winkler began by stating that the aim of the petition was to plead for the survival of the unique population of humpback dolphins off Taiwan’s west coast. Winkler said that the announcement of the establishment of the Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group earlier that morning demonstrated the concern of the international community for Taiwan’s environment, and that the government should seek the Working Group’s expert advice and propose appropriate measures to deal with the dolphin population. Winkler also said that all levels of government should apply the powers authorized by the country’s Environmental Basic Law and take this Law as their prime principle in administering government affairs.

Director Chou Dong-han of the Conservation Division of the Society of Wilderness then said that, with the government currently putting great effort into trying to becoming a member of the United Nations once again, greater participation in international conservation work should be seen as an opportunity for increasing the country’s chances of achieving this goal. In addition, Chou said that the Council of Agriculture (CAO) would convene the Wildlife Conservation Advisory Committee on the 11th of January [in two days], and suggested that the COA raise the issue of conservation of the Taiwan humpback dolphins for discussion during the meeting.

The Executive Secretary of Yunlin Ecological Conservation Union, Chiu Chien-fang, said with much concern in her voice that Taiwan’s west coast natural environment was already seriously damaged, which could be seen in oyster harvests. Previously, said Chui, Yunlin oyster farms only needed to grow the oysters for eight months before they were ready for harvest. However, she said, now they need eighteen months - ecological destruction has ruined a natural resource that supported local fishing people, and this has contributed to social problems such as local unemployment and the outflow of people from the area, revealing the failure of the government’s promotion of the Sixth Naptha Cracker Plant [located in Yunlin Offshore Industrial Park]. And yet, said Chiu, the government is now promoting more pollution-intensive industry in the form of the Kuokuang Petrochemical Park and the Formosa Steel Plant, which will doubtlessly mean the end for these last livelihood options of local residents. The government should consider sustainability, not just short-term interests.

Taiwan Academy of Ecology Executive Secretary Chen Bing-heng stated that “the humpback dolphin is an indicator of the health of Taiwan’s west coast ecology” and that “if the threats they now face are not mitigated or solved, this will ultimately also be the fate of the Taiwanese people. The government should take the destruction of the west coast environment seriously.”

Ms. Siao, who was responsible for receiving the conservation group representatives, said that she would do her best to report the conservation groups’ efforts and petition to her superiors according to administrative procedures, but that she could not guarantee that it would be possible for the conservation groups to have the other results they desired within two months because of the range of issues involved, and that it the matter would have to wait until the top government levels reached a decision. However, Siao said that she would do her best to enable a decision to be reached within the following two weeks, that the process over that period would be kept transparent, and that public participation would be allowed.

The Deputy Director of the Forestry Bureau, Mr. Lee Tao-sheng, who had accompanied Siao in receiving the representatives of the conservation groups, said that responsibility for dealing with this conservation-related petition lay with the Forestry Bureau, which is the country’s highest-level government organization responsible for conservation. Lee said that he also placed much importance on the conservation of this species, and that in fact the Forestry Bureau had been one of the sponsors of the aforementioned workshop and had sent members of staff to participate. However, he said, in view of the government’s principle of working in unison, the Forestry Bureau would still have to operate according to the appropriate procedures and cooperate with other departments. Lee added that he hoped that conservation and economic development could receive equal emphasis, but that this required integration between departments and that the Forestry Bureau could not simply take a stand. It would only be possible to respond, he said, after research and analysis. As for the recommendation that the matter be discussed by the Wildlife Conservation Advisory Committee, Lee said that the Forestry Bureau could not raise the issue in its capacity as the convener, but that the conservation groups could submit a proposal to the Committee requesting that the Committee discuss the issue.

Mr. Winkler replied that he appreciated the efforts of the Forestry Bureau, but that he hoped that the Council for Economic Planning and Development, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Industrial Development Bureau, none of which had attended the meeting, would also abide by the spirit of the Environmental Basic Law, give consideration to the basic needs of future generations, and aim for true sustainable development.

For information about this press release, please contact:
sousa@wildatheart.org.tw

Also see:

The Executive Yuan Responds to call for Immediate Protection Measures for Taiwan’s Humpback Dolphins

Humpback Dolphin Protest at Taiwan's Executive Yuan

Protest Planned for the Executive Yuan

Green Party Taiwan Protest

Earlier today Green Party Taiwan held a protest in front of the Legislature to highlight the plight of many different animals including the Taiwan humpback dolphin. What follows is a press release from Green Party Taiwan on the plight of the Taiwan humpback dolphins.

[For Immediate Release]

Press Release: Taiwan Green Party, 9 January 2008

Taiwan Humpback Dolphin

Taipei

Echoing concerns from a newly-formed group of international scientists organized for the purpose of giving advice on conservation of a small group of dolphins off the west coast of central Taiwan and their habitat, the Taiwan Green Party today called upon the Taiwan government and all legislative and presidential candidates to heed warnings from local environmental groups on the threats to the quality of life to Taiwanese as demonstrated by the imminent extinction of the Chinese Humpback Dolphin.

The Green Party recommends an immediate halt to all development on Taiwan’s west coast until a full assessment can be made of the long term environmental and health risks, and until the actual economic benefits (and sacrifices or tradeoffs) of these development projects can be ascertained. Projects included are the Hushan Reservoir, the Third Stage of the Central Science Park, the Eighth Naphtha Cracker, Formosa Steel, Off-shore wind farms and dozens of others at the local and national levels.

“None of these projects went through anything that approximates a responsible environmental impact assessment” said Pan Hansheng, Secretary General, “it is time that the government stop listening exclusively to parties that have vested short-term economic interests, and start taking seriously its obligations under local laws and international norms.

All political parties agree that Taiwan will benefit from more participation in the international community. The Green Party believes it is time to start acting on this consensus, and the establishment of an international advisory group to assist with the protection of the Sousa chinensis is an excellent step in the right direction. This international advisory group will provide our government officials, so often at the apparent beck and call of industrialists, the kind of backing they need to reconsider infrastructure development plans that have brought Taiwan to the brink of environmental disaster and which are certain to lead us to become an environmental pariah in the international community.

The Green Party looks forward to participating in public debates on industrial policy, specific development projects in western Taiwan, and to joining a coalition of social and environmental groups to supervise the government’s implementation of its legal obligations under Taiwan’s Basic Environmental Act. That law, passed in 2002, mandates that short term economic development must yield to development that is sustainable, development that does not deprive any future generation of the ability to satisfy its basic needs for clean air and water, healthy food, and freedom from stress and social oppression.

For additional information contact

Taiwan Green Party, Chang Hung-lin

(02)8663-1203

http://gptaiwan.blogspot.com

Pink Dolphin Protest at Taiwan's Executive Yuan

Protesters at yesterday's Save the ETS Humpback Dolphins Protest at Taiwan's Executive Yuan.


Yesterday, amidst legions of police officers the Matsu's Fish Conservation Union and Green Party Taiwan staged a protest at the Executive Yuan in Taipei over the failure of the government to meaningfully address the plight of Taiwan's pink dolphins.

The protest coincided with the announcement of an international scientific working group established to offer advice on the unique and small population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis)found in the inshore waters of Western Taiwan. The establishment of Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG) was announced yesterday in Washington DC. Protesters also presented a petition with the Executive Yuan and met with officials.

Taiwan Academy of Ecology Secretary General, Chen Bing-heng, addresses the media.

Protesters with Director of Section 5 of the Executive Yuan, Ms.Siao.


Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins facing Imminent Danger - International Advisory Group Established

Press Conference

Notice to media


The Taiwan Sousa Working Group, which comprises of local and foreign experts in cetacean conservation and related fields, will be officially established on the morning of 9.1.08 (Wednesday in Taiwan) when it makes an important statement regarding the population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Taiwan’s west coast waters.

Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are mainly distributed in the shallow coastal waters (no deeper than 20m) along the five kilometers from the Miaoli to Chiayi Counties. Research by FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group has shown a significant difference between the pigmentation of Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and those which occur along the coasts of China and other parts of the world, meaning that it is probably an independent population, and no less important than the Formosan Landlocked Salmon. However, because these dolphins live year-round in shallow coastal waters and are highly vulnerable to the impacts of human activity, this population is currently facing the immediate threat of extinction.

The threats faced by the dolphins include: reduced fresh water flow from rivers into estuaries, loss of habitat due to land reclamation along the west coast, industrial, agricultural and municipal pollution, entanglement in fishing gear and noise pollution. There are many new or planned projects which will affect their important habitat, including the Formosa Plastics Steel Mill, the Kuokuang Petrochemical Plant, the Jhanggong Power Plant, the Dadu Weir and offshore wind farms.


Taiwanese environmental groups will present a petition and hold a press conference at 1000 hours at the entrance of the Executive Yuan as a local response to this important statement, urging the government to immediately take urgent conservation action. The Matsu’s Fish Conservation Union will use large props at the press conference, and we invite all media to attend.


Time: 9.1.08 (Wednesday) 10am

Place: Entrance of the Executive Yuan

Timetable:

09:40-10:00 Gather

10:00-10:10 Introduction of the groups and statements by the groups

10:10-10:20 Announcement of the five main threats to the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins

10:20-10:30 Statement regarding the announcement by the international working group

10:30: Present the Petition to the Executive Yuan

Organisers: Matsu’s Fish Conservation Union (Taiwan Academy of Ecology, Taiwan Sustainable Union, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, Taiwan Environmental Protection Union, Wild Bird Society of Yunlin, Changhua Coastal Conservation Action and FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group); and Green Party Taiwan.

____________________________________________

Press Release 9.1.08
Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins face imminent danger

International Advisory Group Established


This morning, an announcement was made by Dr. Naomi Rose of Human Society International that an international team of scientific experts, the Eastern Taiwan Strait Technical Advisory Group (Taiwan Sousa Working Group), has been established to aid Taiwan in the conservation of the highly endangered population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Eastern Taiwan Strait. Experts on the Taiwan Sousa Working Group come from Japan, the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, and its Chair is Dr. Peter Ross, a marine mammal toxicologist at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada. The members of the Taiwan Sousa Working Group all have considerable expertise and reputations in cetacean science (including Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin conservation in other countries) and related fields. The group has been established in order to allow any interest group in Taiwan concerned with the dolphins, including the government, to request information via Dr. Ross.


A number of local Taiwanese environmental groups, including the Matsu’s Fish Conservation Union, welcome the concern of these international experts for the survival of Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, and call upon the Taiwanese government to stop avoiding its responsibility, start applying its Wildlife Conservation Act, and immediately begin consultations with the Taiwan Sousa Working Group as a crucial first step towards preventing this distinct Taiwanese species from disappearing, and towards protecting Taiwan’s biodiversity.


The Taiwan Sousa Working Group was formed at the recommendation of the workshop held in September 2007 in Changhua City, Taiwan, where there was broad participation by local and foreign researchers, conservationists and stakeholders. The workshop participants recommended the creation of a technical advisory working group to provide decision-makers, government organizations and other interest groups with guidance, expert scientific advice and scrutiny related to conservation issues for the isolated and highly endangered ETS [Eastern Taiwan Strait] humpback dolphins.


The September workshop also identified five major threats to the ETS humpback dolphins, including reduced river flow into estuaries, habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, industrial, agricultural and municipal pollutant discharges and underwater noise. There was added concern because of the recent news that the Baiji or Yangtze River Dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer) is likely extinct, also due to enormous human-caused environmental impacts. A Conservation Action Plan was prepared highlighting the main actions that central and local governments must take in order to mitigate the above threats and increase the chances of survival of this rare and legally protected population. These documents already provide an indisputable argument and sufficient guidance for immediate action to take place.


Advice from others may help one overcome one’s defects. Today, Taiwanese environmental groups are joining together to present a petition to ask that the government respond within two weeks, to show its sympathy for conservation issues. We hope that relevant agencies will take the initiative and deal with this matter in an appropriate manner. We sincerely hope that the government will recognize the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for conservation action, grasp this opportunity and take advantage of the incredible expertise of this international group of scientists. We also hope that the government will adopt the recommendations of the September 2007 workshop report and draw up proper, effective policies to save this dolphin population from the desperate situation which they now face.


Contact email address: sousa@wildatheart.org.tw

_________________________________________________________

PRESS RELEASE 8 January 2008:
Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in peril, says newly-formed international scientific working group

Also see:
Protest Planned for the Executive Yuan

Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG)

___________________________________________________________

Photos from yesterday's protest:

Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in peril, says newly-formed international scientific working group

PRESS RELEASE 8 January 2008

(Washington DC) - Some of the world’s top marine mammal scientists today formalized the Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (Taiwan Sousa Working Group), to offer expert guidance in supporting the conservation of the beleaguered population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Taiwan.

The Taiwan Sousa Working Group was formed at the recommendation of a workshop held in Changhua City, Taiwan 4-7 September 2007, during which local and international researchers, conservationists, and stakeholders addressed the current state of the Eastern Taiwan Strait (ETS) humpback dolphin population. The workshop participants, in a report published by the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (Taiwan), recommended the creation of a technical advisory working group to provide –at the request of stakeholders, policymakers, agency officials, and other interested parties –guidance, expert scientific advice and scrutiny related to conservation issues for the isolated and highly endangered ETS humpback dolphins. An additional role of the Taiwan Sousa Working Group will be, in the context of environmental analyses and development proposals, to help identify appropriate directions and methods for research.

Five formidable major threats to Taiwan’s approximately 100 humpback dolphins have been identified by scientists, including reduced river flow into estuaries, habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, industrial, agricultural and municipal pollutant discharges and underwater noise.

The Taiwan Sousa Working Group comprises scientists from Japan, the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, whose fields of expertise include biology, taxonomy, genetics, population surveys and modeling, coastal ecosystems, behavior, bycatch, noise, and pollution. The group’s Chair, Dr. Peter S. Ross, is a marine mammal toxicologist at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada.

“The survival of Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is at stake” says Dr. Ross. “We hope that our newly-formed group can assist those responsible for protecting these extremely vulnerable dolphins.”

Members of the Taiwan Sousa Working Group: Jay Barlow (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA), Robert Brownell (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA), Allen Chen (Academia Sinica, Taiwan), Chin-Cheng Chou (National Taiwan University, Taiwan), Horng-yuh Guo (Council of Agriculture's Research Center, Taiwan), Samuel Hung (Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, Hong Kong), Tom Jefferson (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA), Toshio Kasuya (Japan), Ching-yu Liou (Taiwan Endemic Research Institute, Taiwan), David Lusseau (University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom), Daniel Martineau (University of Montreal, Canada), Chris Parsons (George Mason University, USA), William Perrin (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA), Peter S. Ross (Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada), Barbara Taylor (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA), Bradley White (Trent University, Canada), Bernd Würsig (Texas A&M University, USA)

Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG)

Group of international scientists formed to advise on the plight of Taiwan’s critically endangered population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins

Dr. Naomi A. Rose of Humane Society International, chair of the ETS humpback dolphin steering committee, directed to form an Eastern Taiwan Strait Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin technical advisory working group, makes the following announcement:

Washington, DC (8 January 2008): An international team of 17 scientists dedicated to the plight of Taiwan’s remaining Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) has been formed, with Dr. Peter S. Ross of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada (DFO) as its chair. The Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG) will provide expert advice, guidance and scrutiny related to conservation issues for this isolated and endangered population of dolphins, at the request of stakeholders, policymakers, agency officials, and other interested parties. This coastal dolphin population, found only in the eastern Taiwan Strait (on the west coast of Taiwan), was only discovered in 2002 and current estimates place the population size at less than 100 individuals. The formation of the ETSSTAWG follows two international conservation workshops held in Taiwan in 2004 and 2007.

The ETSSTAWG is being launched at the recommendation of the most recent workshop, after participants called on the government, industry and public sectors of Taiwan to take immediate action to protect the ETS population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and their habitat. Dr. Ross, a research scientist with the DFO, is a marine mammal toxicologist, who has worked on conservation, habitat and health issues of marine mammals. He will serve as the contact person (RossPe@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca) for all inquiries addressed to the ETSSTAWG. Expert members on the ETSSTAWG consist of scientists from several countries, including Taiwan, underlining the tremendous concern, at both international and local levels, that presently exists about the plight of Taiwan’s humpback dolphin population.

Participants in the recent conservation workshop concluded that the ETS humpback dolphin population faces imminent extirpation if urgent measures are not enacted to protect them and their habitat. The following represents a list of threats that imperil this charismatic species and that need to be mitigated:

- by-catch in fishing gear;
- reclamation of estuarine and coastal regions for industrial purposes;
- diversion and extraction of freshwater from major river systems of western Taiwan;
- release of industrial, agricultural and municipal effluent into rivers and coastal waters;
- noise and disturbance associated with construction, shipping and military activities.

Dr. Ross and the other members of the ETSSTAWG sincerely hope that all parties involved in activities taking place in the ETS humpback dolphins’ habitat will take advantage of the availability of their expertise to address issues affecting the population’s conservation.

Members of the ETSSTAWG:

Jay Barlow (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA)
Robert Brownell (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries
Science Center, USA)
Allen Chen (Academia Sinica, Taiwan)
Chin-Cheng Chou (National Taiwan University, Taiwan)
Horng-yuh Guo (Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taiwan)
Samuel Hung (Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, Hong Kong)
Tom Jefferson (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA)
Toshio Kasuya (Japan),
Ching-yu Liou (Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taiwan)
David Lusseau (University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom)
Daniel Martineau (University of Montreal, Canada)
Chris Parsons (George Mason University, USA)
William Perrin (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA)
Peter Ross (Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada)
Barbara Taylor (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA)
Bradley White (Trent University, Canada)
Bernd Würsig (Texas A&M University, USA)

Contact:
Peter S. Ross, RossPe@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Protest Planned for the Executive Yuan

Paper humpback dolphins for tomorrow's protest: photo courtesy of the Taiwan Academy of Ecology.


At 10:00 a.m. tomorrow members of the Matsu's Fish Conservation Union will be joined by a number of other interested groups to stage a small demonstration in conjunction with the delivery of a petition to the Executive Yuan (EY) concerning the plight of the Taiwan humpback dolphins and the need for the government to take action on the five major threats to the dolphins identified by international experts at the Second International Workshop on the Conservation of the Taiwan Humpback Dolphins in September 2007. The members of the Matsu's Fish Conservation Union will be joined by a number of other interested groups including representatives from the Green Party Taiwan and Taiwan's largest ecology organization, the Society of Wilderness.

Five paper models of the dolphins will represent each of the five major threats.

Protesters will be asking the EY to commit to addressing the concerns and to appoint a Minister to take responsibility for the issue and act as a window for consultation on the issue.

The Executive Yuan will accept the petition and likely arrange for several officials to meet with representatives of the various groups attending.

We have also heard that the steering committee set up at the Second International Workshop to establish an international working group of scientific experts whose mandate will be to provide independent advice on the research and conservation needs of the Taiwan humpback dolphins will be announcing the establishment of the scientific working group tomorrow. This announcement will be made in the United States and will coincide with the Taiwan protest.

More Taiwan Greening ?

Tainan tackles idling cars

The Taipei Times reports that on Tuesday Tainan City became the nation's first city to ban idling vehicles with fines of as much as NT$2,000 for drivers leaving their engine running for more than three minutes when their vehicle is not in use. Well done Tainan ! Let's hope the other cities follow Tainan's lead and that this legislation is enforced.

Also reported in the Taipei Times today was the Council of Agriculture saying yesterday that it would promote a tree-planting campaign to help increase the ratio of green land. Again, a good thing. However, I can't help but be a little suspicious of some of these tree-planting efforts. One example that springs to mind is the current reclaiming effort being waged against valuable sea habitat in the name of tree-planting. Yes, in Mailiao, Yunlin County, just next to the Formosa plant they are reclaiming land and in the process destroying valuable Taiwan humpback dolphin habitat to plant trees so that the area is "greener."

Valuable dolphin habitat being "reclaimed" to plant trees, Mailiao.

See today's Taipei Times.

EPA mandates new auto requirements to raise air quality

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) implemented the fourth stage of its motor vehicle emission standards. This basically sets emission standards for new vehicles.

EPA Air Quality Protection and Noise Control director-general, Hsiao Hui-chuan, said,"The fourth stage of the regulations will see a heavy cut in greenhouse gas emissions from cars because it includes standards that are two-thirds stricter than the third stage in terms of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions will be enforced."

Such legislation is always welcome and it would be even better if the authorities started pulling some of the older and very smokey cars and motorcycles off the roads.

See EPA mandates new auto requirements to raise air quality in today's Taipei Times.

Garden of Extinction

Kirstenbosch Gardens

While in Cape Town, South Africa for the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 17th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals I was able to visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Kirstenbosch is unique in the sense that it was the world's first botanical garden to showcase native species.

The Cape Floristic Region (CFR)in South Africa is the smallest and richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms and spans the eastern and western Cape. It is also the only floral kingdom confined to a single continent. More than 8 200 plant species occur in the CFR. Around 80% of these plants are fynbos species. The British Isles, which are 3 ½ times the size of the CFR hosts less than 1 500 plant species. Taiwan hosts around 4 200 plant species but has a land area of about half the size of the CFR. Fynbos contains two to three times more species per thousand square kilometres than tropical rain forest.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden was established in 1913 to promote and conserve the flora of South Africa and is regarded as one of the world’s foremost botanical gardens. Kirstenbosch was the world’s first indigenous botanical garden. Kirstenbosch covers an area of 528 ha with a 36 ha cultivated garden containing over 4 500 species.

Many of the world's plant species are in danger of becoming extinct. The Cape Floristic Region is no exception and sadly a number of species are no more or have become extinct in the wild. To create awareness of the plight of endangered plants Kirstenbosch has created the 'Garden of Extinction.' The garden showcases many endangered plant species and a number of plant species that have become extinct in the wild. There is a tombstone in memory of Erica pyramidalis and all other extinct plants. The garden is also littered with thought-provoking quotes which are placed amongst the plants. With New Year being a time of reflection and resolutions, take a moment to consider these and the plight of some of the endangered plants, like Begonia ravenii and other creatures like the Fairy Pitta and Taiwan humpback dolphins that are threatened by the Hushan Dam and other development projects: