The COA has continued to participate in international fisheries organizations in an effort to maintain the international competitiveness of Taiwan's fishing industry. For instance, the ROC became a member of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, and will serve as the deputy chairman of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna in 2004. The COA is also making a strenuous effort to protect the rights and interests of the fishing industry and secure cooperation opportunities. Fishing cooperation agreements were reached with 26 countries in 2003. Responding to the international consensus that responsibility systems and marine resource conservation are needed, the ROC has begun strengthening management of the size of the far-sea fishing fleet, fishing boat operating models, and catch quotas. The government is working hard to eliminate IUU (illegal, unregulated, unreported) fishing boats and balance industrial development against its international responsibilities.

The COA is strengthening fishing harbor infrastructure, building onshore public facilities and scenic amenities, and providing fishermen with a safe working environment. To improve the coastal fishing environment and replenish marine resources, the COA released 9.53 million fish and shellfish fry and larvae in 2003, bought out 131 fishing boats (3,982 tons), and emplaced artificial fish reefs occupying 250,000 cubic meters. The COA helped traditional fishermen diversify in recreational, educational, and cultural directions, and thereby enhance economic and tourism effectiveness. The COA built water supply systems in aquaculture zones, improved the aquaculture environment, and helped the fry raising, tropical fish, cage culture cobia, and fish pond grouper industries achieve modernization, automation, and a higher level of technology. The COA's goal is to reduce production costs, improve product quality, and strengthen the industry's competitiveness.

With regard to promotion of the "Sea Banquet" certification mark system, in 2003 the COA helped 16 products at eight factories pass certification. An additional 13 products made by three companies also passed certification. A series of domestic seafood product sales activities was held: The ROC Aquaculture Industry Zone Development Association teamed up with local fishermen's associations, production cooperatives, fish farmers, large modern mass merchants, and produce supermarkets to hold the "2003 Domestic Seafood Sale," which was accompanied by information stations encouraging consumers to eat more fish. A total of 797,000 milkfish (including bellies) and 244,000 kg of hard clams were sold at the sales. The COA helped fishermen associations in various areas to develop processed gift products and establish their own brands. Examples include "Hualien Vitality Mambo," "Jewel of Fangliao," "Tungyuan Bay Fish Cakes," and "Tzukuan Little Shrimp." The development of these products is boosting seafood sales in Taiwan.

The COA continued to support the establishment of marine ranches at Neian in Penghu County and Tungao in Ilan County. This work included the improvement of fishing grounds and replenishment of marine resources in ranch areas. The COA is coordinating the establishment of marine ranches that combine fishing, ecological education, and tourist recreation functions, and take advantage of the natural scenery and village culture of the surrounding area. It is hoped that this will help fishermen diversify and promote the transformation of coastal fisheries.