Indigenous fishers granted access restored to Shihmen Reserve.
The Atayal community in Taiwan has been granted a historic breakthrough in their fishing rights, as they are now temporarily permitted to practice traditional fishing at the Shihmen Reservoir. This development comes after more than 60 years of a ban on fishing at the reservoir.
The Water Resource Agency Northern Region Water Resources Office has initiated a one-month trial to facilitate the continuation of indigenous traditions. The trial allows the Atayal to fish at Shihmen Reservoir, provided that it does not affect water quality. The area where fishing is allowed extends from Shihsiouping in the upstream section of Dahan River to the mouth of the river on the left bank of the reservoir.
The Taoyuan Fusing District Office and the Taoyuan Department of Indigenous Affairs collaborated to organize an immersive experience event centered on traditional Atayal fishing rituals. The event took place at Kuei Huei Pier and was presided over by community elders. The immersive event aimed to allow villagers and visitors to experience fishing, symbolizing coexistence with nature, and embodying the cultural wisdom of when and how to catch fish.
The permission for the Atayal to fish at Shihmen Reservoir is subject to conditions and will be reviewed annually. The list of people permitted to fish at the reservoir will also be reviewed annually. Only fishing rods will be allowed, with a limit of one rod per fisher.
This historic breakthrough is significant as it recognizes the Atayal's right to practice their traditional customs. In the past, Atayal villagers were either driven off or punished with fines, preventing them from fishing on their ancestral land. Taoyuan City Councilor Su Wen-en highlighted this historical injustice, expressing his gladness over the recent development.
Taoyuan Fusing District Office Director Su Tsuo-hsi expressed similar sentiments, calling the permission a historic breakthrough. The Regulations Managing the Hunting and Capture of Fishery during Indigenous Ceremonies in the Area of the Shihmen Reservoir were passed on May 28, formalizing the new policy.
The impact of this development on water quality and the potential revitalization of indigenous fishing practices tied to cultural heritage remain to be seen. For the latest, most accurate information, checking Taiwan government announcements, indigenous rights organizations, or local news sources focused on indigenous affairs and environmental management at Shihmen Reservoir is recommended.
The Taoyuan Fusing District Office and the Taoyuan Department of Indigenous Affairs have organized an event that integrates traditional Atayal lifestyle with outdoor-living, as part of the annual review of fishing rights at the Shihmen Reservoir. This event, held at Kuei Huei Pier, showcases home-and-garden aspects of Atayal culture, such as fishing rituals that symbolize coexistence with nature and embody the wisdom of their ancestral practices.
