Maritime commission bill OK’d by ROC Legislature

2015/06/18

The organization act for a Cabinet-level maritime commission was approved June 16 by the ROC Legislature, reaffirming the government’s commitment to better coordinating ocean-related policymaking.

Under the bill, the commission is to take charge of planning coastal security, environmental protection, maritime industry development and supervision of subordinate agencies regulating coastal patrol, marine conservation and ocean research. It also brings the Coast Guard Administration under the auspices of the new body.

According to an official from the National Development Council, the government has decided it is time to pay greater attention to implementing a more consistent approach among the 23 agencies responsible for marine management in Taiwan.

“Greater coordination in the public sector and enhanced public awareness of key issues associated with the ocean are essential given the increasing importance of international maritime affairs,” the official said.

Of the three soon-to-established subordinate agencies, the marine conservation administration is facing the biggest first-up challenge. It must plan conservation areas in the waters surrounding Taiwan, promote biodiversity and protect marine ecology.

The ocean research institute will also have its hands full after assuming responsibility for policy research, as well as certification, education, management and training of related law enforcement officials.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=231630&ctNode=413)