Shinya Shikina, association professor of National Taiwan Ocean University, said, “the spawning period of corals at the waters of the Northeast Coast of Taiwan reaches its peak within one week after full moon nights in June and July on the lunar calendar. To enable people to observe coral spawning without diving in the sea at night, researchers mark mommy corals with mature eggs (ready to give birth to baby corals) in breeding ponds and move these corals to breeding tanks to get ready for ‘labor’ prior to the activity.” This class was held at the night of August 17. Mr. Shikina led people to learn about the sexual reproduction of corals and directly observe mature eggs ready to be released from mommy corals with a microscope. The class reached its climax when all participants surrounded breeding tanks, holding their breath. Finally, with the exclamations of everyone’s joy, pink eggs were released from corals, which marked a perfect ending for the event.
Wen Lee, Commissioner of Agriculture Department, stated that maintaining marine ecology, improving marine environment and restoring marine resources are three ocean protection policies that New Taipei City government promotes. Waters at the Northeast Coast have rich coral ecology, and coral is called the lung of marine ecology. With it, the ocean nurtures numerous marine creatures. The city government hopes that through the activities of learning about corals and observing coral spawning, people would realize the brilliance and beauty of the marine world, support the promotion of these policies and protect marine resources.
To let more people comprehend this course, photos taken on the event will be uploaded to the Facebook page of “New Taipei City Fishery” as well to invite more people to follow the most spectacular coral spawning celebration at the Northeast Coast in summer.