Taiwan Reduces Coastal Waste by 66% as "Salute to the Sea" Program Strengthens Marine Management

The Executive Yuan held the 2025 performance review meeting for the "Salute to the Seas, the Coastal Cleaning and Maintenance Project" (COASTAL CLEAN-UP) on Aug. 4, assessing the progress of coastal conservation efforts by central agencies and local governments. Through cross-agency collaboration, surveyed coastal waste has declined from 2,294 metric tons in 2019 to 772 metric tons in 2025, representing a reduction of approximately 66%. Among the evaluated agencies, 12 of 15 central government bodies received the highest rating, while eight of 19 coastal local governments were rated "excellent" and three received "outstanding" recognition, demonstrating effective implementation of marine cleanup goals and strengthened long-term management capabilities.

Since 2020, the Executive Yuan has integrated central and local government efforts to establish mechanisms for routine cleanup, immediate response, emergency cleanup, and waste reduction at the source. In 2025, agencies removed approximately 84,000 metric tons of waste, including materials intercepted from rivers (54.2%), coastal cleanup operations (31.5%), and seabed waste removal at ports. All reported immediate cleanup cases were handled within the targeted seven-day timeframe. Measures for source reduction included subsidies for 215,000 improved aquaculture floats, establishment of 24 temporary aquaculture storage sites, and the recovery of approximately 313 metric tons of marine waste and discarded fishing nets.

Coastal waste cleanup at Baishuihu Coast, Chiayi County (left: before cleanup; right: after cleanup) — Water Resources Agency

Coastal waste cleanup at Aozai Coast, Gongliao District, New Taipei City (left: before cleanup; right: after cleanup) — National Property Administration

Executive Yuan Political Deputy Minister Chin Chin-te said the "COASTAL CLEAN-UP (2024-2027)" program has established clear interagency responsibilities and evaluation mechanisms, and that gradually improving Taiwan’s coastal environment through coordinated efforts has been challenging but meaningful. He noted that despite multiple severe typhoons affecting Taiwan in 2025, agencies demonstrated strong management resilience by actively restoring coastal environments after disasters. Looking ahead, Chin instructed ministries to review past implementation results, incorporate practical needs and data analysis, and develop concrete source-reduction strategies and budget plans for the 3rd phase of the "COASTAL CLEAN-UP (2028–2031)" program, which is expected to be submitted to the Executive Yuan for review in February 2027.

Source: Environmental Management Administration, MOENV
Compilation & Ttransla-tion: EnergyOMNI