Cetaceans of Taiwan
30‑second snapshot
Taiwan sits on the edge of the northwest Pacific, where deep trenches, a wide continental shelf, and the Kuroshio Current (黑潮) converge. The result: extraordinary marine diversity. More than 32 species of whales and dolphins have been recorded here—over a third of the world’s known cetaceans. From playful spinner dolphins to elusive sperm whales, and the critically endangered Indo‑Pacific humpback dolphin, Taiwan is a global hotspot for cetaceans.
The island’s relationship with these animals has also transformed dramatically—from post‑war whaling to the rise of whale‑watching, reflecting a broader shift in Taiwan’s environmental consciousness.
Why it matters
Cetaceans sit at the top of the marine food web. Their presence indicates ocean health, and their absence signals ecological stress. Taiwan’s whale and dolphin story also mirrors cultural change: a move from extraction to protection, from subsistence to stewardship.
Two seas, two worlds
Taiwan’s east and west coasts are oceanographically different, creating distinct cetacean habitats.
East coast: a deep‑sea corridor
The eastern shoreline drops steeply into deep water. The Kuroshio Current runs close to shore, delivering warm water and abundant migratory fish and squid. This is prime habitat for deep‑diving and offshore species: sperm whales, beaked whales, and large dolphin pods.
West coast: a shallow‑sea nursery
The Taiwan Strait is broad and shallow (average ~60 m). Its coastal waters nurture nearshore species, including the island’s most fragile treasure: the Indo‑Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis taiwanensis), locally called 「媽祖魚」 ("Mazu Fish") because sightings historically clustered around the Mazu festival season.
Taiwan’s cetacean “stars”
Below are some of the most recognizable neighbors in Taiwan’s waters:
Spinner Dolphin
Often called the “ballet dancers of the sea”, spinner dolphins leap and spin above the surface, frequently riding boat waves. They are among the most commonly sighted species on the east coast.
Risso’s Dolphin
Known for their scar‑covered bodies, these dolphins bear white scratches that function like social “badges.” They tend to be calmer and prefer deeper waters.
Sperm Whale
The largest toothed whale in the world, with a blocky head and deep‑diving abilities. Sightings off Hualien and Shitiping are treasured moments for whale‑watchers. Their angled blow is a classic signature.
Indo‑Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Mazu Fish)
A critically endangered subspecies endemic to Taiwan’s west coast. Fewer than 60 individuals remain. Coastal development, offshore wind projects, noise, and fishing gear entanglement threaten their survival.
From whaling to whale‑watching
1950s–1980s: the whaling era
Post‑war Taiwan had active whaling sites. In Banana Bay (香蕉灣) near Kenting, whales and dolphins were hunted for meat and oil—an era when survival outweighed ecological concern.
1990: a conservation turning point
In 1990, a mass dolphin killing in Penghu shocked the public and drew international attention. The government responded by listing cetaceans under the Wildlife Conservation Act, banning hunting, capture, and trade.
1997: whale‑watching begins
In July 1997, Taiwan’s first whale‑watching boat launched from Hualien. Since then, whale‑watching has flourished in Yilan (Wushi Harbor), Hualien, and Taitung, becoming both a conservation platform and a cultural re‑connection with the sea.
Science and citizen participation
Cetacean research in Taiwan expanded rapidly after the 1990s. Key contributors include:
- Academia: National Taiwan University (Prof. Lien‑Hsiang Chou’s team), National Cheng Kung University, National Chiayi University
- Museums: National Museum of Natural Science, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
- NGOs: Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation, Taiwan Cetacean Society, TWSOUSa (Taiwan Sousa Conservation Association)
Research combines offshore surveys, photo‑ID, acoustic monitoring, and stranding analysis. Citizen science now plays a central role: whale‑watching tourists and fishers contribute sightings, building a nationwide cetacean database.
The urgent threats
Even without hunting, Taiwan’s cetaceans face serious human‑driven risks:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation: coastal land reclamation and offshore wind farms restrict nearshore species.
- Fishing conflicts: gillnets and longlines cause accidental bycatch and entanglement.
- Underwater noise: shipping lanes, pile‑driving, and construction disrupt cetacean communication and echolocation.
- Pollution: plastics, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants accumulate through the food web.
The Ocean Conservation Administration has announced specific conservation plans for the humpback dolphin, but enforcement and habitat protection remain pressing challenges.
A cultural lens: what the “Mazu Fish” signifies
The nickname 「媽祖魚」 isn’t just folklore. It reflects Taiwan’s coastal culture, where Mazu—the sea goddess—is a guardian of fishermen and sailors. Seeing these dolphins during the Mazu season became a sign of protection and blessing. Today, saving the “Mazu Fish” is also about protecting a living piece of Taiwan’s maritime identity.
Closing perspective
Taiwan’s cetacean story is ultimately a story about learning to see.
Once, whales were viewed as oil and meat. Now, they are seen as intelligence, kinship, and living proof of a healthy ocean. When a pod of spinner dolphins explodes out of the water off the east coast, Taiwan is reminded of what it stands to lose—and what it still has the power to protect.
To safeguard whales and dolphins is to safeguard the blue world that sustains the island itself.