Taiwan - Development of low-temperature aquaculture using LNG cold discharge water

Issues and Objectives

Due to the high demand for cold-water aquatic products such as salmon, halibut, abalone, and sea cucumber in recent years, Taiwan imported 28,000 metric tons of these products in 2013, amounting to approximately NT$6.27 billion, demonstrating significant business opportunities. However, Taiwan's tropical and subtropical location, coupled with increasingly hot summers and average temperatures, makes it unsuitable for the breeding and development of species less tolerant of high temperatures. In particular, the climate and environment in Yong'an, Kaohsiung, are becoming increasingly volatile, with issues such as increasingly dry seasons, water resource problems, and high temperatures prompting local businesses to consider their water needs for aquaculture.

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Improvement Measures Taken

One of the tasks in the "Taiwan Coastal Blue Economy Growth Promotion Plan" promoted by the Fisheries Agency in recent years is to conduct research on breeding and aquaculture technology for cold-water species. The "LNG Cold Discharge Aquaculture Experimental Farm" built in Yong'an District, Kaohsiung, began operation at the end of 2018.

The "LNG cold-drain aquaculture test site" utilizes ultra-low temperature liquefied natural gas (LNG) at -162℃ to transform from liquid to gas, and then exchanges heat with seawater. After the heat exchange, the seawater temperature is lower than the original temperature, and the water quality is stable and suitable for aquaculture. Combined with intelligent monitoring and management, it can avoid the impact of extreme weather and can be used for the breeding of other species in the future, providing a safer aquaculture environment.

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Results

With the assistance of the Fisheries Agency of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, the LNG-fired cold drainage combined water diversion project for the Yong'an aquaculture production area was launched in 2004. As of 2019, NT$480 million had been invested in the construction of seawater supply channels, culverts, and pipelines, supplying water to approximately 450 hectares of surrounding aquaculture areas. This allows local aquaculture farmers to more efficiently cultivate high-value fish species and adapt to climate changes. For example, during the summer, LNG will help local aquaculture farmers reduce problems such as water quality changes, large algal blooms, and mass mortality or disease outbreaks in grouper caused by continuous high temperatures.

Glossary

Climate change risk assessment: Using effective assessment tools to understand the medium- and long-term impacts of climate change on various sectors, and to propose corresponding adaptation strategies and actions to reduce the risks brought about by climate change.

Case type:

Structural and physical options: engineering techniques or reinforcement of existing structures, integrated technology development

Social options: learning and exchanging disaster knowledge in the community, and developing and applying early warning information.

Institutional options: Establishing institutions at the economic, policy, and legal levels

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Reference Websites

The Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, launched the nation's first "LNG cold-drainage aquaculture pilot farm" under the "Taiwan Coastal Blue Economy Growth Promotion Plan (1/4)" (2018).https://www.fa.gov.tw/cht/NewsPaper/content.aspx?id=2535&chk=a2f63d79-ed31-41cb-bf95-cd86f676ade2

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