The Social-Ecological Challenge in the Intertidal Zone of the Western Coast of Taiwan: Spatial Competition between Oyster Aquaculture and Green Energy Policies

Abstract

The extensive intertidal zone along the coastal areas of Fangyuan Township in Changhua, Taiwan, has served as a longstanding domain for oyster farming, with oyster farmers quietly cultivating oysters for several generations. However, in recent years, Taiwan has vigorously promoted green energy policies, leading to the western coastal region of Taiwan becoming a crucial area for wind farm. Due to the established energy policy of wind power generation in Taiwan, the construction of wind turbines in the sea has become a crucial factor perceived by oyster farmers as detrimental to oyster growth and resulting in reduced yields. Oyster farmers find themselves caught in an emerging energy space struggle, catching them off guard. However, scientific evidence seems challenging to provide them with a favorable argument to resist the damage caused by green energy policies. Consequently, their only recourse appears to be resistance, as they accuse green energy policies of jeopardizing their livelihoods. This study aims to explore the issues between national energy policies and marginalized oyster farmers from the perspective of the social-ecological system, which is closely associated with ecological environmental changes. Employing focus groups and in-depth interviews, this research engages with oyster producers in the intertidal zone of Changhua along the western coast of Taiwan, as well as local governance officials and stakeholders. The goal is to elucidate the actors and discourses within this contradictory relationship, while highlighting the network relationships within the social-ecological system.