Toucheng Fresh Fish Festival celebrates fishery culture in Yilan

The 2026 Toucheng Fresh Fish Festival was held on September 20 at Daxi Fishing Port in Yilan, Taiwan. Under the theme ‘Eat Seasonally, Play in the Fishing Port, Love the Ocean,’ the event aimed to showcase local fishery culture and promote marine conservation.

A central feature of the festival was the demonstration of professional auctioneer skills. The Toucheng District Fishermen's Association honored veteran auctioneer Lin Zheng-zhou with a ‘Star Auctioneer’ plaque to recognize his expertise in connecting fishing vessels, markets, and consumers. Local officials and representatives also participated in live fish auctions to engage the public.

The festival included several educational and community components:

• A ‘Coastal Life Special Exhibition’ detailing the history of the Toucheng fishing industry and the division of labor within the fishery sector. • An interactive seafood education exhibit using a traffic light system to teach consumers how to select fish based on species, origin, and resource sustainability. • A marine waste sustainability zone featuring recycled art and games to promote ocean protection and plastic reduction. • The ‘Sea Market,’ which hosted environmental organizations focused on sustainable fishing alongside local brands offering coffee, art, and greenery.