Technical seawater monitoring ensures Chiayi’s oysters are top notch.

Technical seawater monitoring ensures Chiayi’s oysters are top notch.

2026-08-06

Succulent and slippery—who can resist the large, famous oysters from Chiayi County’s coastal towns of Budai and Dongshi? Behind their exceptional quality is a scientific secret: home to Taiwan’s first continuous automatic marine water quality monitoring stations—funded by the Ocean Affairs Council—the region tests the surrounding sea for purity and even microplastics. Here is how high-tech monitoring protects one of Taiwan’s favorite delicacies.

Placed on the grill in their shells, the oysters pop open once cooked to reveal plump, juicy meat. All sourced from Dongshi and Budai in Chiayi, these oysters are so fresh they’ve earned the title "milk of the sea."

Weng Chang-liang
Chiayi County Commissioner
Coming to Dongshi and not eating oysters is like not having been to Dongshi at all. Our oysters are incredibly fresh and delicious. We have two seawater monitoring systems along our coastline in Dongshi and Budai. If you go online, you can see the state of our overall water quality. We monitor it regularly.

How are such high-quality oysters cultivated? Let’s take a closer look behind the camera lens.

Arriving at the Dongshi’s marine area automatic water quality monitoring station, it’s like we are entering a mini monitoring lab. Funded by the Ocean Affairs Council of the Executive Yuan and built for the Chiayi County Government, this station provides continuous automated monitoring of the surrounding waters.

Chiu Mei-chun
Ocean Affairs Council
A dual-station monitoring network was established in Budai and Dongshi, enabling 24-hour monitoring of the marine environment, with data transmission occurring every 5 minutes.

Seawater is extracted to monitor its quality. If abnormalities are detected, the water will be automatically directed to a sample storage container and then sent to the laboratory for more precise testing.

Chuang Hui-chuan
Chiayi County Environmental Protection Bureau
In recent years, another sampling technique for microplastics has been added. Oysters are filter feeders, so after they filter the water, microplastics may remain in them. That’s why we test for microplastics as well.

The oysters from Budai and Dongshi are famous far and wide, thanks not only to the efforts of the fishermen, but also to the efforts of relevant authorities in maintaining the quality of the seawater, which serves as the strong foundation behind their success.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#oysters #oystercultivation #Taiwancuisine #Chiayicuisine #Budai #Dongshi

海中牛奶! 東石布袋鮮蚵太美味秘密武器"監測水質"

2026-08-06

嘉義東石布袋鮮蚵，素有「海中牛奶」的美譽，嘉義縣長翁章梁更在東石海之夏活動時，提醒遊客別忘了去品嘗美味，但怎麼養出品質這麼好的蚵，背後有個秘密武器，就是海保署補助嘉義縣政府所建置的全國首座海域自動水質連續監測站，全天候守護東石鮮蚵的養殖環境安全。

放在烤爐上的帶殼蚵仔，熟了殼一開，超肥美，用的都是嘉義東石布袋的鮮蚵，更有海中牛奶美譽。

[[嘉義縣長翁章梁]]
“來東石沒吃蚵仔，好像沒來東石的感覺，我們的蚵仔非常地鮮美，我們的沿海在東石跟布袋，有兩個海水的監測系統，那你們上網都可以看的到整個水質的狀況，所以我們都有做監測”

高品質的鮮蚵怎麼養出來的，透過鏡頭帶您去解密。

來到東石海域水質自動監測站，裡頭就像間小型監控實驗室，這是行政院海洋委員會補助嘉義縣政府，所建置的海域自動水質連續監測站。

[[海委會海洋環境管理組科長邱梅君]]
“布袋、東石建立了雙站的監測網絡，可以24小時針對海域環境去做監測，每5分鐘就會有一次的數據傳輸”

抽取海水監控品質，發現異常水，就會到自動水樣保存器內，後續送到實驗室做更精密檢驗。

[[嘉義縣環保局長張輝川]]
“這幾年又多了一個塑膠微粒的的採樣方式，牡蠣是濾食性的的生物，所以它會把水過濾之後，然後有可能塑膠微粒會殘留在它身上，所以我們也會去檢測塑膠微粒”

東石布袋蚵遠近馳名，除了靠漁民們的努力，相關單位守住海水品質，也成為背後的最大助力。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

TaiwanICDF upgrading itself into a strategy-led organization

The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund may’ve turned 30 last month, but its focus has already turned to the future. Despite so much of the world now cutting back on foreign aid due to the last half-decade of uncertainty, the ICDF is bucking the trend by focusing on digital innovation, which will allow it to help its diplomatic partners become more resilient and independent.

Recently, Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund Secretary-General Dr. Yu-Lin Huang signed a joint declaration with international partners entitled “Investing in Resilience and Prosperity: Driving Sustainable Development through Digital Innovation.” The document’s signing is one more item on the list of achievements for the TaiwanICDF, which has recently been celebrating its 30th anniversary as it undergoes structural reorganization.

Yu-Lin Huang
Secretary General of TaiwanICDF
The ICDF is not a big organization, but with our international partners we’ve established long-term relationships built on trust. During these last two years this trust has been our foundation while we’ve been restructuring our organization and carrying out financial reform. And now we’re already transforming from a traditional public organization that helps carry out the plans of others to a platform with its own strategy.

Formed on July 1, 1996, the ICDF offers recipients Taiwanese expertise in areas including agriculture technology, public health and medical treatment, and educational training. By sharing its technology, talent, and forming long-term relationships, Taiwan has created an important path for diplomacy. However, as a result of the world facing so much uncertainty in recent times, many countries have chosen to reduce foreign aid. Taiwan, with the support of its president and the Executive Yuan, is, instead, going against the grain as it strengthens its connections around the world. For the first time in three decades, Taiwan has created a cooperative framework with Europe and the US, and in recent years Taiwanese manufacturers have been encouraged to invest in other countries, thereby creating a path of cooperation where Taiwan and its allies have both autonomy and equality.

Yu-Lin Huang
Secretary General of TaiwanICDF
In recent years we’ve heard the term debt trap get talked about a lot. The ICDF, however, seeks to foster the local talent of our international partners as well as help them establish systems. By developing their technology and cultivating their ability to govern themselves, we’re actually helping our partners have autonomy when it comes to making decisions.

Instead of heedlessly throwing around large amounts of money, the ICDF is seeking to increase its influence by relying on expertise and innovation. From receiving aid in the past to now exporting its experiences to others, during these last 30 years the ICDF has worked hard to ensure the world can see Taiwan’s many areas of soft power.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#30thenew20 #TaiwanICDF #digitalinnovation #diplomacy #foreignaid

2026-08-06

Eatery in Taipei goes viral because of mayoral signatures

Over in Raohe Night Market, an unassuming yet popular eatery known for its signature dishes of vermicelli and pork thick soup recently got swept into the contentious Taipei mayoral race. That’s all because one wall had the signatures of both incumbent Chiang Wan-an of the KMT and DPP competitor Puma Shen. When Shen signed the wall recently, netizens noticed that a menu had been posted over the old Chiang signature, causing cries of a political “cover-up.” Angry netizens review-bombed the restaurant online, prompting the owner to simply paint over the signatures and put an end to it.

It’s lunchtime at this eatery, which has well over 10 people waiting in line outside, because inside it’s a full house. Boasting a century-long history, this unassuming local hotspot recently got dragged into a political storm. But business is good as usual, in fact, even slightly busier than before.

This white wall originally had the signature of Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen, of the DPP. Next to the signed name was a menu, which when lifted up had shown current Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an’s signature from four years ago. This “cover-up” resulted in a group of keyboard warriors posting negative reviews of the restaurant. Bothered by the extra attention, the proprietor painted over the wall.

Member of public
Wanted to witness spectacle
I know the reason why so many people are here, and it’s why I drove over here to see it for myself. I’m happy to see such a big crowd, so I’m here as a show of support.

Member of public
Didn’t trust online reviews
Rather than be affected by those negative reviewers, who’ve never actually eaten here, I decided it’d be best to give this place a try and then leave a review, which is a better reflection of how good it is.

Despite running the restaurant as usual, upon seeing a news reporter had come, he made a point of asking for the media to stop covering this story when the cameras weren’t on him.

Puma Shen
DPP Taipei Mayoral Candidate
That wall shouldn’t become a place that people fight over. I hope that everyone can keep supporting the restaurant, because, at the end of the day, I grew up eating there.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
I’d like to continue inviting everyone to come to the night markets of Taipei City, to walk around, to consume and to try the delicious food of Taipei.

Known for its oily sticky rice, vermicelli, and pork thick soup, who would’ve guessed that this small restaurant, for a brief political interlude, would be most famous for its signatures of politicians?

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Taipei #Raohe #ChiangWan-an #PumaShen #nopolitics #cover-up

2026-08-06

President Lai takes part in day 2 of Han Kuang drills

2026-08-06

Viral video of Vaseline use on dolphin inspires brand collaboration

2026-08-06

Insulting emperor quotes, cute cats and punny goods at Creative Expo

Taiwan’s biggest celebration of creativity is back, and it’s bigger than ever. The Creative Expo Taiwan has opened at the Nangang Exhibition Center, bringing together a record 1,200 booths and over 870 brands. There’s stickers with insulting quotes from the Yongzheng Emperor, punny trinkets for mouse lovers, and adorable cat trinkets. For many Taiwanese who grew up in the 80s and 90s, there’s an extra dose of nostalgia, as beloved illustrator Cathie Chen returns to the spotlight after a 30-year hiatus.

Creative Expo Taiwan has kicked off at Nangang Exhibition Center, with the first two days open to professionals only. More than 80 companies from overseas have come to Taiwan to discuss collabs with creators. Among them is Cathie Chen, who’s making a comeback after 30 years by offering illustrations that evoke childhood memories for Gen X.

Cathie Chen
Creator of cathie’s
Last year marked 30 years of cathie’s. Now it’s the 31st year, and I recovered my trademark. So this is a fresh start for me, and cathie’s.

Chen is celebrating her new beginnings by participating in the expo for the first time. Among her wares is an illustrated 6-ring binder that can be used as a journal. The event has brought together 870 brands across 1,200 booths, including popular creators such as Fumeancats and Onion Man. It’s the biggest edition of the expo yet.

Lin Yung-chi
FTV reporter
The popular National Palace Museum rain ponchos can also be found here, as well as highly-demanded products with memeable quotes from the Yongzheng Emperor’s memorials, like this savage sticker saying “You are mentally ill.” Other more amiable quotes include “I gained weight again” or “I trust you can do it.”

Huang Yung-tai
National Palace Museum
It is a major breakthrough for us to be able to bring personalized content to the general public. We also have a section dedicated to the Tibetan Dragon Canon, which became super popular recently.

There’s a book with illuminations from the Tibetan Dragon Sutras, lucky charms, a bottle opener and even a pen shaped like a vajra scepter. If you like cheesy puns about mice, this other stand will get you squeaking with laughter. After mouse-ive demand last year, they have stocked shelves to the rafters.

Ah-tsung
Creature Collectors Club
There were so many people, it was crazy. We brought more stock this year, especially since last year everyone loved our handkerchiefs.

Yuri
3co Studio
We have doubled the stock we bring to a regular expo. New creators can come to expos to sell their products, but if you can score a collab with a manufacturer, you can get licensing agreements.

Exposure is what every up-and-coming artist wants, so rental prices for booths in the emerging creator area are cheaper than before, at just NT$9,500. If shopping for ingenious doodads sounds like fun, this weekend and next, the Creative Expo Taiwan is the place to be.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#creativeexpotaiwan #designer #creator #illustration #creative #expo #3costudio #Fumeancats #onionman #cathies #nationalpalacemuseum

2026-08-06

Official AI-created infographic shows China emblem instead of Taiwan

A poster explaining consumer rights at social housing apartments has caused an outrage among residents. It’s not because of the consumer protection guidelines themselves, but because the poster features China’s national emblem as the symbol of the central government, not Taiwan’s. The Taichung City government has admitted the fault, saying that the poster was AI-generated and was not properly examined before it was posted in public. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Baffled by poster
I don’t have a political stance, but I think this is really inappropriate. It’s as if we had been infiltrated by the CCP. They put it up without taking a look at it. It’s unreasonable.

Member of public
Baffled by poster
Of course I feel uncomfortable. It’s our central government, our country. How did our central government turn into theirs?

Member of public
Saw the poster
The intentions of the sign are good, but the problem is that they put a symbol from across the strait. I take the elevator every day to and from work. It’s been up for about 3 or 4 days.

Chen Shu-hua
Taichung City Councilor (DPP)
Even posters at social housing units are now featuring Chinese symbols in Taichung! Has the Taichung City Government been annexed by the CCP? Lu Shiow-yen, are you a mayor for the Chinese Communist Party?

Chen Yu-jung
Taichung City Councilor (DPP)
The city government should explain why this sign was made, who created it, and what measures will be taken.

Chen Ching-I
Taichung Housing Development Bureau
We removed all the promotional posters as soon as it was brought to our attention. We acknowledge that this was a very serious oversight.

The Chinese emblem with the five gold stars on a red background raised many eyebrows. In the bottom right corner, a note says “This infographic is AI-generated.” The Taichung City Government says that the incident was a serious oversight, adding that the posters were taken down immediately after the mistake was reported.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#aigenerated #poster #consumersrights #protection #socialhousing #china #taiwan

2026-08-06

Motorists makes miracle car crash escape with mid-air front flip

2026-08-06

Revamped railway depot reopens as Taiwan’s largest indoor playground

2026-08-06

Top museum becomes Taiwan’s newest social media bestie

Taiwan’s latest internet crush might just be a museum! The National Palace Museum Southern Branch in Chiayi has gone viral after its social media manager started replying to netizens with surprisingly casual, and sometimes downright savage comments. From a simple “What?” to wishing people good night, the account is really responsive. So much so that some visitors are even showing up at the museum asking to meet the person responsible for turning the prestigious museum into Taiwan’s newest online bestie.

Taiwan’s latest social media sensation is none other than the official account of the Southern Branch of National Palace Museum. Netizens tag the account constantly, hoping to be noticed by senpai. What is going on?

A couple of days ago, a user made a post saying just “National Palace Museum Southern Branch.” It got a reply from the institution: “What?” It turns out the NPM is willing to chat!

- Do you know what is the most iconic reply?
- “What?” Hahaha
- What?
- Yeah, “What?”

- Someone said their name and it replied “What?” It’s my fave.

The casual reply opened the flood gates, starting a nationwide contest to get a reply from the museum. Among the winners were some who asked the museum “What are you up to?” and in reply got a picture of a carved ceramic pillow in the shape of a baby, with the message “Chilling.” Another asked NPM “Are you sleeping yet?” The reply was “About to.” Someone had a special request “Can you wish me a good night?” and lo and behold, the museum replied “Good night.” But the museum has feelings too. One netizen said “NPM, come here now!” The reply? “You’re mean!”

Member of the public
Into the trend
It’s like a boyfriend. You call him, and he shows up. Except real-life boyfriends aren’t so obedient.

Member of the public
Into the trend
It feels so relatable. Like he’s one of us.

The fun interactions have helped the account rack up countless followers, some of whom even showed up to the museum in person.

Yu Bing-yi
National Palace Museum Southern Branch
I was stopped by a group of visitors, and they asked us, “Are you the account manager?” We were like.. Uh…no. People come in and ask the exhibition staff where the social media guy is, and whether they can meet him.

The social media manager is always lurking and more than willing to chat with fans. Who would’ve known that such a prestigious institution could be so down with the kids?

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#nationalpalacemuseum #noticemesenpai #socialmedia #socialmediastrategy #npm #故宮南院 #故宮

2026-08-06

Whale shark swimming alongside boat wows crew, tourists in Penghu

2026-08-06