In response to the impacts of climate change, and to restore river vitality and enhance ecosystem services, efforts to govern the Houlong River watershed continue. Building on the Houlong River Watershed Governance Platform and the Comprehensive Improvement and Adaptation Planning Meetings, Second River Bureau Director Yang Jen-chieh, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency Hsinchu Branch Director Hsia Jung-sheng, Professor Liu Chi-chang from National Taiwan University, and colleagues from both bureaus met to discuss species conservation and biodiversity along the Miaoli section of Houlong River, as well as how best to align these efforts with ongoing river management projects.
Professor Liu Chi-chang, who has long studied fish species and the Iijima goby habitat in Sahohsi Creek, noted that a large fixed-bed structure near Longjingtan in Houlong River’s mainstream may be hindering fish species from connecting with other parts of the ecosystem. He suggested that now is an ideal time to consider improvements. Director Yang Jen-chieh expressed that the Second River Bureau will continue the spirit of the Houlong River Comprehensive Improvement and Adaptation Planning Platform, inviting Miaoli County Government, the Agriculture and Water Agency's Miaoli Management Office, the Hsinchu Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the Taichung Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, and other agencies to continue the dialogue. The goal is to restore the vitality of the river, with Professor Liu's research guiding future improvement strategies.
Director Hsia Jung-sheng also shared information on potential habitats and ecological corridors for Formosan clouded leopards in the Hsinchu Branch’s jurisdiction. He suggested referencing this data in future dike construction projects. Additionally, he raised concerns about the feeding of wild cats and dogs near Touqian River, which could negatively affect the habitats of key species. He proposed that the Second River Bureau, along with the Hsinchu County and City Governments, collaborate on setting up signs prohibiting the feeding of wild cats and dogs to help protect the ecological network.
With typhoon season approaching, Director Yang explained that the Second River Bureau is currently conducting river channel maintenance along Sahohsi Creek near the Sahohsi Bridge. He asked for guidance from Director Hsia and Professor Liu on how to balance construction and ecological preservation. Both agreed to assist the Second River Bureau in reviewing the project, and to expand the discussion by publicly inviting NGOs and other interested parties to participate in platform discussions to expedite progress. Additionally, to enhance the sea dike and its surrounding environment, Director Yang invited the Hsinchu Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency to collaborate on the Miaoli Fangli Sea Dike and the surrounding environmental improvement project, aiming to make a tangible impact on local communities.
In addressing challenges like habitat fragmentation and the disruption of ecological corridors caused by development, the meeting sought to explore the feasibility of ecological restoration through collaborative agency discussions. The vision is to achieve coexistence and harmony between humans and nature. Director Hsia proposed a concept for a participatory riverine aquatic species survey workshop, where participants with engineering backgrounds from the Water, Soil, and Forestry bureaus would be invited to experience and explore the diversity of river ecosystems through hands-on ecological surveys.
Spokesperson for the Second River Bureau: Deputy Director Wang Wei
Email: wca02119@wra02.gov.tw
Office Phone: +886-3-6578866 ext. 2002
Mobile Phone: +886-912-255602
Contact Person: Planning Section Chief Liu Chen-lung
Email: wca02020@wra02.gov.tw
Office Phone: +886-3-5322334 ext. 2300
Mobile Phone: +886-937-901010