The ocean is rich in natural resources and serves as an essential asset for human survival, necessitating joint efforts to ensure its sustainable use. In 2015, the United Nations announced the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include 17 core objectives. Among them, Goal 14—“Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources to ensure biodiversity and prevent marine environmental degradation”—has been a key focus of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts.

In recent years, Chinese vessels have been frequently extracting marine sand in waters surrounding Taiwan, particularly near Matsu and the Taiwan Shoal southwest of Penghu. This activity has caused severe damage, including marine ecosystem destruction, depletion of fishery resources, coastal erosion, and damage to undersea cables.

To effectively curb these activities, Taiwan amended the Sand and Gravel Excavation Act and the Law on the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf of the Republic of China in 2021. These amendments significantly increased penalties and accelerated the seizure and disposal of offending vessels, effectively deterring illegal activities.

Additionally, in 2022, the Executive Yuan instructed the Ocean Affairs Council to coordinate with relevant agencies and implement a four-year special monitoring project in the Matsu waters. This project aims to scientifically assess the impact of marine sand extraction and provide crucial data to support stricter legal penalties and international advocacy efforts in the future.