By Eryk Michael Smith. Images via Pingtung County Govt.
PINGTUNG — Pingtung County has inaugurated the expanded Singhai Fishing Harbor (興海漁港) in Manjhou Township (滿州鄉), a project officials said will improve safety for fishing boats along Taiwan’s southeast coast and provide a more practical shelter option during typhoons.
County officials said the harbor expansion cost almost NT$430 million and covers 10.8 hectares. The project added new wharves, increasing total capacity from 56 vessels to 100. During typhoon periods, the harbor can now accommodate 62 fishing boats seeking shelter, according to the county government.
Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) said fishermen on the east coast previously had to travel more than two hours to Houbihu Fishing Harbor (後壁湖漁港) in Hengchun Township (恆春鎮) when storms approached. The county also said space has been reserved for the Coast Guard Administration to strengthen its patrol and response capacities in nearby waters.
