Those fisheries operated within the 12-mile territorial seas of Taiwan, are referred to as coastal fisheries. The production of these fisheries in recent years has maintained at about 40 thousand tons per annum. The major fishing methods used, include gill net fishing, set-net fishing, beach seine fishing, fish fries catching and other hook gear.

　　Generally speaking, coastal waters are areas where the productivity of marine resources is higher. However, with a great number of fishing crafts competing for the same resources in the same area, overfishing occurred in the coastal seas of Taiwan. In addition, following the intensive industrialization along the coastal areas, pollution in the coastal seas further deteriorates the marine resources. As such, in order to promote sustainable development of coastal fisheries, in recent years the Government has established a number of fisheries resources conservation areas, artificial fish reef areas and fisheries protection areas along the coastal seas. Extensive release of seeds of fish, crustacean and mollusc has been carried out, to protect fishing grounds and to enhance the fish stocks. At the same time the Government has also encouraged fishermen to diversify their fisheries operations, to engage in recreational fisheries, such as angling, whale watching tour, etc.