The Chosen Island 🇹🇼 Formosa
天選之島
黑潮孕育海洋生命流經台灣攜來豐富物種

黑潮環繞的台灣🇹🇼,孕育豐饒的海洋資源與文化,卻也乘載濫捕與汙染的代價。節目走訪南方澳蘭陽溪探訪捕鰻人與達悟族飛魚文化,探索豐收與生態浩劫並存的現實。

The Kuroshio Current begins east of the Philippines and then flows in a northeastward direction past Taiwan and Japan. The Kuroshio Current transports heat and salt from south to north, shaping the ocean ecosystem.

May 14, 2023, 依山傍海的台灣,被一股名為「黑潮」的暖流所環繞,全島的氣候、濕度與氣溫,都受到它的牽引,尤其帶來豐富的海洋資源,千萬年來,將這塊土地培育成一座,熱情、豐饒又多變的島嶼。

黑潮尤其和島民的飲食文化息息相關,走訪台灣全台三大漁港之一「南方澳」, 這裡也是台灣漁業現代化的起點,文史工作者為我們講述這裡的歷史,從宗教、文化到飲食,每一個篇章都值得深深細讀。

除了南方澳盛產的鯖魚,我們也看到冬季在蘭陽溪河口與海搏命的捕鰻人,以及蘭嶼達悟族的飛魚文化,這些都是黑潮賜予台灣的瑰寶。同時也看見豐收歡愉的另一面,是人類製造的汙染及濫捕、魚源枯竭造成的生態浩劫。黑潮像是海洋為了與人類分享,伸出的雙手,我們卻順勢無止盡地擷取,天選之島─黑潮擁抱下的台灣,想帶觀眾體會台灣自然資源的豐美,同時反思,海洋資源並非取之不盡,而是需要我們一起守護。 #華視新聞 #CH52

00:00 鯖魚、鰻魚等經濟魚類隨黑潮而來 卻遭遇物種生存危機

19:52 蘭嶼達悟族招魚祭 看傳統海洋民族 如何與海共生

29:58 黑潮為台灣帶來物種多樣性 從下雜魚堆可窺一二

44:27 全球能源危機 發展黑潮發電有轉機?

Prompt to DeepSeek:

"Elaborate the Kuroshio Current (黑潮). Also elaborate 黑潮環繞台灣,孕育豐饒台灣的海洋資源與文化。Using Traditional Chinese."

黑潮(Kuroshio Current)的詳細闡述

黑潮是北太平洋西部最強大的暖流之一,也是全球海洋環流系統的重要組成部分。其名稱源自日文「黒潮」(Kuroshio),意為「黑色的海流」,因水體透明度高、深層呈現靛藍至暗黑色而得名。以下從科學特性、生態影響及文化意義等面向解析:


1. 科學特性與形成機制

  • 起源與路徑
    黑潮起源於菲律賓群島以東海域,由北赤道暖流受陸地阻擋後向北分流形成。主流沿臺灣東岸、琉球群島一帶北上,經日本南部向東延伸為「北太平洋洋流」,最終與親潮(千島寒流)相遇。

  • 物理特性
    黑潮寬度約100-200公里,表層流速可達每秒1-2公尺,流量約為全球河流總流量的1,000倍。水溫高於周邊海域,冬季表層溫度約20-25°C,夏季可達28-30°C,深度可達數百米。

  • 氣候調節作用
    作為「太平洋的暖水管」,黑潮將熱帶的熱量與水氣輸送至中高緯度,顯著影響東亞季風與臺灣、日本等地的氣候,例如冬季增溫、夏季降雨調節。


2. 生態與經濟價值

  • 生物多樣性熱點
    黑潮攜帶豐富營養鹽與浮游生物,吸引鯨豚、鮪魚、鬼頭刀等高經濟性魚類洄游,形成重要漁場(如臺灣東部、日本近海)。其邊緣的湧升流更促進營養物質上湧,支持底層食物鏈。

  • 漁業與資源
    臺灣東部海域因黑潮流經,成為「東部黑潮金三角」,盛產旗魚、鰹魚等,並發展出獨特的「鏢旗魚」傳統漁法。同時,黑潮也影響養殖業,如臺灣東岸的深層海水開發(礦物質提取、冷水養殖)。


3. 黑潮環繞臺灣的影響

臺灣位於黑潮主軸的關鍵節點,其東岸直接受黑潮主流沖刷,西岸則受其分支(如南海分支)影響。這種地理條件使臺灣成為海洋資源與文化的交匯點:

  • 海洋資源的豐饒

    • 漁業永續:黑潮帶來洄游性魚類,支持沿近海與遠洋漁業,如蘇澳、成功漁港為核心的捕撈基地。

    • 生態廊道:黑潮是海洋生物的遷徙路徑,例如綠蠵龜、鯨鯊等物種依此路徑繁殖覓食,促成臺灣東岸的海洋生態觀光。

    • 能源潛力:黑潮的高速流動被視為「藍色能源」,臺灣學界正研究海流發電的可能性。

  • 文化與社會的孕育

    • 漁村文化:如臺東長濱、花蓮石梯坪等地,發展出與海洋共生的阿美族「海祭」、漢人漁村的王船信仰。

    • 海洋民族性:黑潮的不可預測性塑造了臺灣東岸居民敬畏海洋的價值觀,體現在傳說(如「黑潮鬼浪」)、漁歌與飲食文化(如「鬼頭刀魚乾」)。

    • 現代連結:黑潮成為環境運動的象徵,如非營利組織「黑潮海洋文教基金會」推動海洋教育與保育。


4. 環境挑戰與未來

  • 氣候變遷衝擊
    暖化可能改變黑潮強度與路徑,影響漁場分布,加劇極端天氣(如颱風強度)。

  • 人為壓力
    過度捕撈、塑膠微粒污染及海岸開發威脅黑潮生態系的平衡。

  • 科學與保育行動
    臺灣透過黑潮親潮國際科學研究(Kuroshio-Oyashio Interaction Study)、設立海洋保護區(如蘇澳禁漁區)等,強化永續管理。


總結

黑潮不僅是自然地理的壯麗現象,更是臺灣海洋生命力與文化認同的根源。其暖流孕育了島嶼的豐饒,也提醒人類與自然共生共榮的必要性。從漁民的舵槳到科學家的探測儀,黑潮的故事仍在浪濤中持續書寫。

Detailed Explanation of the Kuroshio Current (黑潮)

The Kuroshio Current (黑潮), one of the most powerful warm currents in the western North Pacific, is a vital component of the global ocean circulation system. Its name, derived from Japanese (“Kuroshio,” meaning “Black Current”), references its deep indigo-to-dark hues caused by high water transparency. Below is an analysis of its scientific characteristics, ecological impacts, and cultural significance:


1. Scientific Characteristics and Formation

  • Origin and Path:
    The Kuroshio originates east of the Philippines, where the North Equatorial Current splits northward upon encountering landmasses. Its main flow travels along Taiwan’s eastern coast and the Ryukyu Islands, moves northward past southern Japan, and extends eastward as the North Pacific Current, eventually converging with the cold Oyashio Current (千島寒流).

  • Physical Properties:
    The Kuroshio spans 100–200 km in width, with surface velocities reaching 1–2 meters per second. Its flow volume is roughly 1,000 times that of all global rivers combined. Warmer than surrounding waters, its surface temperature ranges from 20–25°C in winter to 28–30°C in summer, with depths extending hundreds of meters.

  • Climate Regulation:
    Acting as the “Pacific’s heating pipeline,” the Kuroshio transports tropical heat and moisture to mid-latitudes, significantly influencing East Asian monsoons and the climates of Taiwan and Japan. This includes moderating winter temperatures and regulating summer rainfall.


2. Ecological and Economic Value

  • Biodiversity Hotspot:
    The Kuroshio carries nutrient-rich waters and plankton, attracting economically valuable species like whales, dolphins, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Its edges generate upwelling zones that replenish nutrients, sustaining marine food chains.

  • Fisheries and Resources:
    Taiwan’s eastern waters, part of the “Kuroshio Golden Triangle,” are renowned for sailfish and bonito. Traditional practices like harpoon fishing for swordfish thrive here. The current also supports industries such as deep-sea mineral extraction and cold-water aquaculture.


3. The Kuroshio’s Encircling of Taiwan

Taiwan lies at a critical junction of the Kuroshio’s main flow, with its eastern coast directly washed by the current and western coast influenced by its branches (e.g., the South China Sea branch). This geography makes Taiwan a hub of marine resources and culture:

  • Abundant Marine Resources:

    • Sustainable Fisheries: The Kuroshio sustains migratory fish populations, underpinning coastal and offshore fisheries in ports like Su’ao and Chenggong.

    • Ecological Corridor: Species such as green sea turtles and whale sharks use the Kuroshio as a migratory route, fostering marine ecotourism along Taiwan’s east coast.

    • Blue Energy Potential: The current’s high-speed flow is being studied for ocean current energy generation.

  • Cultural and Social Nurturance:

    • Fishing Communities: Coastal areas like Taitung’s Changbin and Hualien’s Shitiping have developed unique traditions, such as the Amis tribe’s Sea Ritual and Han Chinese Wangye Boat信仰 (a Taoist maritime ceremony).

    • Maritime Identity: The Kuroshio’s unpredictability has instilled a deep respect for the ocean, reflected in folklore (e.g., “Ghost Waves of the Kuroshio”), fishing songs, and cuisine (e.g., dried mahi-mahi).

    • Modern Connections: The Kuroshio symbolizes environmental advocacy, exemplified by NGOs like the Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation, which promotes marine conservation.


4. Environmental Challenges and Future

  • Climate Change Impacts:
    Warming may alter the Kuroshio’s strength and path, disrupting fisheries and intensifying typhoons.

  • Human Pressures:
    Overfishing, microplastic pollution, and coastal development threaten the Kuroshio’s ecosystems.

  • Science and Conservation:
    Taiwan participates in initiatives like the Kuroshio-Oyashio Interaction Study and establishes marine protected areas (e.g., Su’ao no-fishing zones) to enhance sustainability.


Conclusion

The Kuroshio Current is not merely a natural wonder but the lifeblood of Taiwan’s marine ecosystems and cultural identity. Its warm waters have nurtured the island’s bounty while reminding humanity of the imperative to coexist with nature. From fishermen’s harpoons to scientists’ sensors, the Kuroshio’s story continues to unfold in its relentless waves.

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