BlueFloat Energy and Hsin-Chu Fisherman's Association Jointly Host Fish Fry Release to Foster Regional Sustainable Development

On the 25th, Spanish offshore wind energy developer BlueFloat Energy (hereinafter referred to as BlueFloat) co-organized the "Hsinchu City Marine Resource Conservation - 2024 Fish Fry Release." The event was hosted by the Hsin-Chu Fisherman's Association, co-organized by Nanliao Nanhai Guanyin Temple and BlueFloat, and guided by the Hsinchu City Government and the Fisheries Agency, MOA. The event took place grandly at the Nanliao fishing port in Hsinchu City. Approximately 350 fishermen and members of the public participated, releasing about 90,000 Sparus Sarba fish seedlings. Hsinchu City Deputy Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan also shared this educational and conservation-significant weekend with the coastal residents.

Tong Jin-Jie, Secretary-General of the Hsin-Chu Fisherman's Association, stated, "We invited everyone to join in protecting our oceans through this event, conveying our commitment to marine resource conservation and sustainable fisheries. We aim to engage the public and let them experience this life and environmental protection activity, enhancing societal awareness of environmental issues. We hope that all citizens will cherish natural resources and leave a clean living environment for future generations."

The event began with a blessing ceremony at Guanyin Temple, followed by the fish stocking at 11 a.m. to coincide with the ebb tide, allowing the fish seedlings to flow smoothly into the sea. This year marks the 24th edition of the fish stocking activity hosted by the Hsin-Chu Fisherman's Association, which has proven to be effective. The released Sparus Sarba, a highly economically valuable edible fish species, can now be spotted around the rocky or reef-sand mixed areas along the Nanliao fishing port coastline.

Michael Pinkerton, Country Manager of BlueFloat Energy, stated, "BlueFloat Energy entered the Taiwanese market in 2022, naming the offshore wind farm located 25 to 35 kilometers off the coast of Hsinchu as the 'Winds of September Offshore Wind Project.' Although we have just begun bidding for the soon-to-be-announced Floating Offshore Wind Power Demonstration Project this year, we have already initiated an 18-month cooperation project with the Hsin-Chu Fisherman's Association for guard vessels. We fully understand the importance of gaining support from the local community. Today, we are honored to co-organize the fish stocking event and hope for more long-term interactions and cooperation with all local partners to achieve shared development goals."

The Bureau of Energy, MOEA is set to announce the Floating Offshore Wind Power Demonstration Incentive Program (DIP) later this year. Since March 2023, with the support of guard vessels provided by the Hsin-Chu Fisherman's Association, BlueFloat has become the first developer to deploy Floating LiDAR in the Hsinchu waters and has collected comprehensive seasonal marine meteorological data (wind, wave, and current).

(Left to right) Chih-Pao Hsu, Director of the Department of Economy and Development, Hsinchu City Government
Mu-Chuan Peng, Chairman of the Hsin-Chu Fisherman's Association
Tong Jin-Jie, Secretary-General of the Hsin-Chu Fisherman's Association
Chen-Yuan Chiu, Deputy Mayor of Hsinchu City
Michael Pinkerton, Country Manager of BlueFloat Energy
Wei-Wen Chang, Principal of Nan-Hua Junior High School