By Syu Jyun-Kuei / Staff reporter / County Government
The horseshoe crab is a very special species in the Kinmen area. In order to let local people have a better understanding of horseshoe crabs, the Kinmen County Tri-spine Horseshoe Crab Conservation Association scheduled to hold a conservation activity, A Story of Guarding Horseshoe Crabs, starting from August 5th (Sunday) through August 7th (Tuesday) for three consecutive days. The event on August 5th requires advance registration with a limit of 30 people, where those with interest, students, and community residents are invited. For registration, please dial 082320008 or 0921016299 for Mr. Huang, or fax (082) 311669. The registration fee is NT$50.
The 3-day horseshoe crab conservation activity, which integrates ecological environment and energy conservation, has different themes and contents planned for each day. Activities on August 5th (horseshoe crab habitat tour, horseshoe crab-shaped cake DIY) require participants to sign up in advance, while those on August 6th and 7th are open to the public without any restrictions. The venue for the event is at No. 11 Houfeng Port, Jincheng Township and Jiangong Islet (Chengshih Fort). For registration, please dial (082) 320008 or 0921016299 for Mr. Huang of the Tri-spine Horseshoe Crab Conservation Association. Participants are encouraged to prepare their own reusable cups, sunscreen products, and transportation. The time of the activity may be slightly adjusted depending on the tide.
This activity is directed by the Fujian Province Government and Kinmen County Government Economic Affairs Department, organized by the Kinmen County Tri-spine Horseshoe Crab Conservation Association, and co-organized by the Jincheng Township Office, Taiwan Power Co. Kinmen Tashan Power Plant, Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc., Ale B&B, and Caitian Internet Marketing Co., Ltd. among other units. Following the opening ceremony at the Hongmengang Fishing Village Cultural Museum, the three-day event will take participants to the Chengshih Fort on Jianggongyu Islet to visit the habitat of horseshoe crabs. In addition, they will be instructed in how to make delicious and traditional Hao Kuih with a horseshoe crab-shaped mold, which can enhance children's interest in the spices, thus passing on the traditional recipe. Meanwhile, the section chief of the Kinmen County Government will be invited to talk about the current situation and future trend of Kinmen’s fishery, and Dr. Yang Ming-Jhe, an expert on horseshoe crabs, will give a lecture on the future development of horseshoe crabs and the Houfeng Port. After visiting the Fishing Village Cultural Museum, director Mr. Hong Chun-Siou will talk about his shooting of the documentary The Lost Sea. Moreover, Fishermen and old captains are arranged to tell fishing stories. Through teacher Syu’s paper folding and colored drawing, artistic elements will be added to the stories of horseshoe crabs. Finally, club performances and concerts will also be brought in to raise people's interest in the subject.
The association said that the horseshoe crab has been living on the earth for 450 million years, but it is facing a crisis of survival because of man-made destruction of its habitats. There were many tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus)habitats along the western coast of Taiwan in the past, but due to industrial development and early misconceptions, the coastline of Western Taiwan has been lined with layers of cement wave-absorbing blocks and seawalls, and the tri-spine horseshoe crab has long lost their habitat for spawning and disappeared. Kinmen, however, still retains a part of it thanks to the military administration, but people should not be complacent. By offering these activities, local residents can be more aware of the endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs and better understand their daily living environment, so as to protect their surrounding natural environment and all kinds of plant and animal.