Guardians of the Sea: The Transition from Fishermen to Offshore Wind Farm Guardians

文|蔗青文化工作室 洪崇銘

Changfang & Xidao Offshore Wind Farms established the “Coastal Sustainability Development Fund” to promote shared prosperity and sustainable development with the people of Changhua. In light of the resource shortages in the coastal townships of Changhua, a dedicated “Changhua Coastal Township Special Fund” was created to support the well-being of coastal residents and foster shared prosperity. This fund is a long-term initiative spanning over 20 years, offering financial support to six coastal township offices, residents, schools, and community organizations for the implementation of sustainability projects. This article delves into the family story of Huang Chao-Chun, a fisherman from a family with three generations of seafaring experience, which embodies the experiences of Changhua’s coastal residents who live off the sea.

Located in Xianxi Township, Wenzi Habor is one of the few remaining fishing ports in use along Changhua’s coastline. Generations of fishermen who have made their living from the sea now face an unprecedented transformation. As the development of offshore wind power industry commenced, this maritime region has gradually been positioned at the forefront of green energy generation. Huang Chao-Chun, captain of Jinweiqun Marine Ltd., is both a witness and participant in this transformation. His family, traditionally reliant on fishing, has transitioned to be involved in the offshore wind power industry as a partner, marking a new chapter where fisheries intersect with the energy sector.

A Generational Fishing Livelihood

Like many fishing families in Changhua, Huang Chao-Chun’s family has relied on the sea for decades. Reflecting on his grandfather’s era, Huang recalls how they used bamboo rafts to transport milkfish fry and clam seedlings, which was the primary source of income at the time. As times changed and artificial breeding techniques emerged, the family shifted to fishing and reached the peak of commercial fishing during the martial law period. Catching various species on nearshore fishing vessels became a typical way of life for local fishermen.

However, the evolving times continue to reshape the lives of fishermen. In recent years, the rise of offshore wind power along Changhua’s coast has prompted many fishermen to explore new career opportunities. “Describing the impact of wind turbines on us as significant is an understatement. The process spans at least 25 years from construction to operation, including the initial ecological assessments, all of which affect our fishing grounds. Altogether, the impact duration of a single wind farm on fishermen can last for at least 30 years,” said Huang Chao-Chun. For him, the ocean is not just the cornerstone of his family’s livelihood but also the heart of the local community.

Guard Vessel: From Fisherman to Offshore Wind Guardian

When offshore wind power developers arrived along Changhua’s coast, one of their first challenges was finding a way to coexist with local fishermen. Huang Chao-Chun explained that the developers initially contacted local fishermen through the fisheries association, asking whether any fishing vessels were willing to transition into guard vessels to assist with wind farm operations. Huang chose to seize the opportunity, and it brought him a completely new source of income.

“At first, we had to undergo various safety training courses, learning how to conduct rescues, maintain operational safety, and even handle emergencies,” Huang shared, his voice filled with pride. The primary role of guard vessels is to ensure that the offshore wind construction zone remains undisturbed by other vessels. They are also tasked with managing floating marine debris, including discarded oyster racks, driftwood, and even, on one occasion, airplane wreckage that drifted all the way from Penghu, which requires immediate removal to keep the construction site clear and safe.

Huang also mentioned that guard vessel missions could last from two weeks to a month, requiring continuous patrolling around the wind farm site and adjusting the vessel’s course based on construction progress. This demanding work tests both the physical endurance and technical skills of the crew. Yet, it was also an opportunity for him to pick up entirely new skills and experiences. Beyond the tasks of ensuring safety and clearing debris, a crucial part of the job involves serving as a mediator between the construction teams and local fishermen, helping to foster positive relationships between both parties.

The Bridge Between Fishermen and the Offshore Wind Farm Operators

As someone straddling both the fishing and offshore wind industries, Huang Chao-Chun is more than a frontline guard vessel operator. He is also a vital bridge of communication between local fishermen and wind power developers. He understands the challenges faced by fishermen while also recognizing the needs of wind developers. “Many fishermen view wind power companies as intruders, but that’s not true. They contribute to Taiwan’s green energy development. We need to consider the issue from a broader perspective,” Huang shared. He believes that long-term dialogue is key to easing local resistance toward offshore wind farms.

“People are starting to accept it. At least the opposition is not as intense as it once was,” said Huang. He acknowledged that wind power developers have been actively seeking ways to coexist with local fishermen. While offshore wind development in Changhua has changed traditional fishing practices, it has also brought new opportunities, such as training fishermen as marine mammal observers and transforming fishing vessels into guard ships. However, Huang did not shy away from admitting that though offshore wind brings hope for Taiwan’s green energy progress, the construction of wind power facilities alters fishing grounds.

The installation of turbine foundations and subsea cables has rendered many traditional fishing methods impossible in their original locations. “Fishermen must transform, or they won’t survive,” Huang stated. The emergence of offshore wind farms has forced many to rethink their livelihoods. However, transformation requires significant investment and the acquisition of new skills, which can be particularly difficult for older fishermen. Although wind developers have assured that fishing activities can still take place within wind farms, the practical risks remain high. Fishing nets can easily become entangled with turbine foundations or subsea cables, leading not only to financial losses for fishermen but also potential environmental damage.

Exploring Possibilities for Safety and Technological Advancements

Despite the challenges, Huang Chao-Chun has remained proactive. He has dedicated considerable time to researching new fishing techniques that can adapt to the changing fishing grounds while ensuring ecological sustainability. Huang also hopes wind developers will invest more resources in supporting fishermen, fostering closer collaboration networks so that more local fishermen feel encouraged to embrace transformation.

Beyond fishing, Huang has also started exploring alternative opportunities. Tourism has emerged as a promising avenue in his vision. He imagines a scenario where tourists can be taken out to sea to witness the massive offshore wind turbines up close, turning them into a unique tourist attraction—something unimaginable in the past. Diversifying fishermen’s livelihoods is the way forward.

After years of collaboration, Huang reflected on the cultural differences between Taiwanese and foreign companies. “Foreign companies place a strong emphasis on safety and humane work practices. Workers are empowered to stop work if they feel unsafe,” he noted, highlighting a stark contrast to Taiwan’s traditional “work at all costs” mindset. For him, this has been both a challenge and a lesson.

Today, Huang Chao-Chun and his guard vessel team have become indispensable to Taiwan’s offshore wind industry as they leverage their expertise to safeguard the development of green energy. At the same time, these new skills have allowed them to find new roles and value beyond the fishing industry. In the evolving landscape of Changhua’s offshore wind development, Huang and his crew have discovered a renewed path to livelihood while injecting fresh possibilities into the local community’s future.

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