Taiwan - Subsidy program for raft-based oyster aquaculture operators after typhoons

Issues and Objectives

The strong winds and torrential rains brought by Typhoon Soudelor in 2015 caused severe damage to oyster farming in shallow waters of Taiwan. Among them, floating raft oyster farming suffered the most damage because it cannot be included in the zoning of fishery rights and therefore still has no fishery rights protection. As a result, oyster farmers cannot receive cash assistance under the Agricultural Natural Disaster Relief Act.

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Improvement Measures Taken

On August 26, 2015, the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan amended and issued the "Agricultural Natural Disaster Relief Measures", which removed the threshold for cash relief announcements and stipulated that cash relief would be provided to farmers who reported a loss rate of 20% or more for disaster-affected items.

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Results

Following the amendment and promulgation of the "Agricultural Natural Disaster Relief Measures" on August 26, 2015, all residents affected by typhoon-related disasters can apply for a subsidy of NT$5,000 per 8-meter shed. This relief subsidy not only mitigates the damage caused by typhoons but also better protects the rights of aquaculture operators, reduces their vulnerability, and increases their resilience.

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

1. Typhoon Soudelor caused over NT$300 million in damage to oysters in Chiayi County. The Chiayi County Government has requested the central government to assist oyster farmers in resuming production as soon as possible through a special project.https://agriculture.cyhg.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=71EBB16ADE11EE31&sms=42B53318939B7DBF&s=1D75D814D5B0682B
2. Adjust the agricultural natural disaster relief system.https://www.coa.gov.tw/ws.php?id=2504685&print=Y
3. Agricultural Natural Disaster Relief Measures - Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan.https://law.coa.gov.tw/glrsnewsout/LawContent.aspx?id=FL014287

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