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202502/12
The Rhinogobius lanyuensis is a freshwater goby fish endemic to Taiwan, and is mainly found on Orchid Island. In recent years, the wild population has become unstable due to factors such as waterway construction projects and habitat changes caused by typhoons. To strengthen the protection of habitats and prevent the threat of commercial harvesting, the Ministry of Agriculture officially announced that the Rhinogobius lanyuensis has been added to the “Rare and Valuable Protected Species” category of protected wildlife on February 7, 2025. The public is reminded that the breeding, buying, or selling of the fish requires the prior approval of the competent authority. Those who already have the fish in possession before the announcement must register with the county or municipal government before March 31 in order to continue keeping the fish.
The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) stated that the Rhinogobius lanyuensis, also commonly known by various names, is a migratory fish endemic to both freshwater and marine waters on Orchid Island, where the natural environment is well preserved and the water quality is clear. Every spring, the fry and juveniles will swim upstream from the river estuaries to breed and spawn. After hatching, the fry and juveniles will follow the water downstream and enter the ocean through the estuaries. Although there is no pressure from fishing activities on the gobies, the smooth U-shaped canal structure used in river management projects in recent years have resulted in a lack of gaps and crevices in the rivers where the fish can hide. In addition, water diversion facilities have caused the water flow to be cut off or the river channel to have a large drop, which is not conducive to the gobies’ upstream migration, resulting in a decrease in the population. According to a 2019 survey, the distribution of the Rhinogobius lanyuensis wild population was found in only two rivers, with probably no more than 200 fish. Although the 2024 survey found that there were up to 10,000 fish or more, they were almost only distributed in one river, and it was during the spring season when the juvenile fish collectively migrated upstream. The population fluctuated greatly and was still in an unstable state.
The FANCA explained that after preliminary evaluations by experts and scholars, as well as communication with local Orchid Island residents and gaining their support, it has been announced that the Rhinogobius lanyuensis now falls under the category of “Rare and Valuable Protected Species” after review and approval by the Wildlife Advisory Committee. The Taitung Branch of the FANCA has also established a liaison platform, inviting central and local government agencies, NGO groups, and local community development associations to hold regular platform meetings to discuss how to appropriately lower the dam structure of the rivers, or reduce concrete structures, incorporate ecological engineering methods, and other conservation methods. By exchanging opinions and responding to issues, conservation actions can be effectively promoted and also meet local needs.
The FANCA reminds the public that the Rhinogobius lanyuensis is now listed as a rare and valuable protected wildlife species. Members of the public who were already in possession of the fish before the announcement must register with the county or municipal government where the fish are kept starting from the date of the announcement to March 31, 2025, in order to continue keeping the fish legally. However, the fish cannot be displayed in public places. Furthermore, the public, aquariums and online sellers are also reminded that private breeding and buying/selling of the fish are not allowed without permission. If owners are found to be not registered, they will be fined up to NT$50,000 according to Article 31 of the Wildlife Conservation Act, and the unregistered individual fish will be confiscated.