The islands of Penghu, Taiwan boast the greatest concentration of fishing weirs on Earth, and many of these ancient structures are still in use today. Discover the magnificent engineering and traditional wisdom that keeps Penghu’s fishing weir culture alive.

Fishing weir, stone weir, fish weir… These ancient structures have taken on many names and forms throughout their rich histories. Weir fish traps have been used to capture fish since ancient times and continue to be important in local fishing communities around the world. One region where weirs are still actively used is on the islands of Penghu, Taiwan, which are home to over 609 stone fishing weirs. The fish weirs around Penghu are the most numerous and well preserved stone weirs in the world.

Penghu’s stone fishing weirs have created a rich culture around fishing on the islands. Older generations of fishermen grew up around the weirs, fished in them as children, and learned how to repair them once they grew strong enough. The weirs in Penghu are built from stone using ancient techniques passed down from generation to generation, and the islands’ elders carry a wealth of ancestral knowledge about this ancient craft. However, environmental and cultural changes may threaten to destroy this unique local culture.

Despite the culture of caring and generosity that the fish weirs encourage in these communities, less and less young people are interested in fishing or maintaining the weirs. As the older generation continues to age, their bodies grow weaker, leaving them unable to complete the heavy work of repairing damaged weirs. Fortunately, experts still see evidence of interest among young people to carry on these traditions, and their communities are finding new ways to foster interest in the weirs. What will become of these ancient sites of world heritage? Join us to find out more.

Chapters:
00:00 Explore the Heart of the Ocean - Penghu Stone Weirs
02:07 What Is a Fish Weir?
05:11 Catching Fish Using Fish Weirs
07:19 Building and Repairing Fish Weirs
11:10 Fish Weirs Encourage a Culture of Sharing
16:40 Environmental and Cultural Changes Threaten to Destroy Penghu’s Fish Weirs
19:04 Preserving Fish Weirs and Culture in Penghu
21:59 Making Penghu’s Fish Weirs a World Heritage Site

#FishingWeir #Penghu #Taiwan #FishWeir #StoneWeir #TaiwanPlus
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