Yong'an Fishery Ecology Harbor is a recreational fishing harbor on the northern coast of Kaohsiung, nationally known for mullet roe and grouper aquaculture. The surrounding harbor area encompasses ecological wetlands where mangroves and intertidal zones attract a variety of migratory birds, making this a combined seafood-and-nature destination.
Yong'an District is Taiwan's top-producing area for farmed grouper. Since 1976, when a Xingang village fisherman introduced fry from Penghu and successfully raised them locally, the district has developed a distinctive aquaculture method using 22-24°C cooling discharge water from the CPC LNG receiving terminal, nicknamed "diamond water." The district's Yongxin Fishing Harbor, built in 1988, can moor 200 rafts and 30 fishing boats and mainly lands mullet. (Verification note: the Chinese Wikipedia entry titled "永安漁港" actually describes a different, same-named harbor in Taoyuan's Xinwu District, not the one in Kaohsiung; that source was excluded and this fact is drawn from the Yong'an District Office and local reporting instead.)
Highlights of Yong'an Fishing Harbor
Yong'an is one of Taiwan's key production areas for mullet and grouper. Around the Lunar New Year period, fishing boats haul in large catches of mullet, and the sight of mullet roe being processed on-site draws many visitors. The harbor has been developed for recreational fishing tourism, with a direct-sale zone where visitors can buy fresh catch and processed products at relatively accessible prices.
The outer edges of the harbor preserve intact mangrove forests and wetland ecosystems. Birdwatching platforms along the walking path offer views of sandpipers, plovers, and herons foraging during spring and autumn migrations. The mangrove root systems create a distinctive waterside landscape, and their reflections in calm water are a popular photography subject.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Yong'an is in the northern part of Kaohsiung, roughly 40–50 minutes by car from the city center. Driving is the most practical option; by public transit, take the TRA to Yong'an Station and transfer from there.
- The fishing harbor is open year-round. Market and direct-sale hours vary — check on-site notices; weekends tend to be more reliably open.
Nearby Connections
- The nearby Ciading Wetland is worth adding to extend your birdwatching range — about 15 minutes between the two sites.
- About 30 minutes south is Ziguan Oyster Silo (Eziliao) Fishing Harbor, making it easy to plan a northern Kaohsiung coastal harbor circuit.
Sources: Kaohsiung City Government Agriculture Bureau fishing harbor information; Wikipedia entry on Yong'an Fishing Harbor. Photos pending Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Yong'an District known for grouper?
Yong'an District began successfully farming grouper fry in 1976 and now uses cooling discharge water from the CPC LNG terminal for aquaculture, making it Taiwan's top grouper-producing area.
When was Yongxin Fishing Harbor built?
Yongxin Fishing Harbor was built in 1988 and can moor 200 rafts and 30 fishing boats, mainly landing mullet.
Is Yong'an good for birdwatching?
The surrounding harbor area has mangrove wetlands where sandpipers, plovers, and herons can be observed during spring and autumn migrations.
Sources
- 永安區公所-農漁特產篇 — 高雄市永安區公所官網
- 台灣漁港踏察筆記(2)高雄永安石斑魚的故鄉。永新漁港 — 在地踏查報導，含永新漁港建港年份與規模