Event Date & Time

October 16, 2021, 14:00

Venue

Interdisciplinary Building, Academia Sinica (No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Road)

Guiding Organizations

Taiwanese Coral Reef Society, Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica, Our Island Public Television Service

Organizers

Taiwanese Coral Reef Society, Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica, Our Island Public Television Service

Sponsors

Taiwan Lookoo Island Association, HiiN Studio

Event Description

Sea turtles are ancient and long-lived marine creatures that have been revered as sacred animals in folklore and traditional beliefs. Their symbolic image can be found everywhere—from temples to marketplaces. Beyond their cultural significance, their fascinating life history captures the imagination: sea turtles migrate thousands of kilometers between feeding and nesting grounds, and many mysteries still surround their early life stages. From ecology to culture, their story is both rich and inspiring. Spiritually, people pray to sea turtles for safety and good fortune—but in reality, can sea turtles themselves remain safe?

As environmental indicator species, sea turtles reveal the many crises facing our oceans—this is their most direct message to humanity. Today, more and more people are taking action: moving from praying to turtles for blessings to protecting them in the wild. The evolving relationship between humans and sea turtles has become even more touching, as both seem to have found new meaning and direction in life.

In 2021, director Ke Chin-Yuan released the documentary Turtle Island’s Guardians, hoping to inspire deeper reflection and awareness among viewers.

Plastic waste, marine pollution, and habitat destruction continue to threaten sea turtles’ survival. According to Taiwan’s Ocean Conservation Administration, in 2020 alone there were 276 dead stranded turtles and 59 live strandings, primarily green sea turtles. Autopsies revealed that deaths were often caused by parasitic infections, propeller injuries, suspected collisions, and multiple combined factors. Alarmingly, plastic debris was frequently found in their stomachs, showing the profound impact of human activities on these creatures.

What can we do for the ocean?

Start by reducing our own waste—small actions that can help protect sea turtles and preserve a cleaner, healthier planet for the future.



 

Notes 

[Transportation Information]

1. By Bus:

   Get off at Zhongyan Xincun (中研新村) station.

   Bus Routes: 205, 212, 212 Express (直), 212 Night, 270, 276, 306, 620, 645, Small 12 (小12), Blue 25, 679, Small 5, Small 1, Commuter 7

2. By MRT:

• From Nangang Station (Exit 2), turn left and transfer to a bus to Zhongyan Xincun (Routes: 212 Express, 212 District, 270, Blue 25)

• From Nangang Exhibition Center Station (Exit 5), cross the street and transfer to a bus to Zhongyan Xincun (Routes: 212, 276, 306, 620, 645, 679, 205, Small 5, Small 1, Small 12)

• Bannan Line: Transfer at Taipei Main Station to the Bannan Line and get off at Nangang Station or Nangang Exhibition Center Station

• Tamsui Line: Transfer at Taipei Main Station to the Bannan Line

• Wenhu Line: Transfer at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station to the Bannan Line

• Luzhou Line: Transfer at Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station to the Bannan Line

Contact Information

Contact Person:

Hsing-Ju Chen

Phone

+886-2-2789-2814

Fax

+886-2-2789-0844

Email

tcrs9th@gmail.com

Website

tcrs.tw

Registration Information

Registration Period

From now until October 12, 2021

Participation Fee

Free

Registration Form

https://reurl.cc/mvGMq1​

《 May Sea Turtles Be with You Always》

https://reurl.cc/ZjOAp3​