Project Assistant：CHEN,CHUN-DA

　　To encourage special municipalities, city and county governments, as well as schools of all levels to enhance marine education through relevant courses and activities and increase teacher participation in these initiatives, the Third Ocean Poetry Creation Contest was held in 2024. The event also sought to raise public awareness of the ocean and promote marine conservation efforts.

　　The Third Ocean Poetry Creation Contest centered on the theme “sustainable oceans.” It received a strong response, with 387 submissions from students and teachers across Taiwan. After a rigorous selection process involving preliminary, secondary, and final reviews, 66 award-winning poems were selected across five categories: elementary schools, junior high schools, senior high schools, universities and colleges, and teachers.

　　The award-winning poems were exhibited between August and December 2024 at various educational and cultural venues, such as the Wanli Branch of New Taipei City Library, Fulong Ocean Station in Gongliao District (New Taipei City), Sustainable Ark Hall at the Taitung County Environmental Education Center, National Library of Public Information, Mobile Library of Hengchun Christian Hospital, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Penghu Aquarium, National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, and Zhongzheng Branch of Keelung City Public Library. The exhibitions attracted approximately 12,000 visitors. The poems reflected a wide range of topics and conveyed diverse perspectives and emotions about the ocean. Many poems, in addition to reflecting on marine life and the environment, presented local history and folklore. Several poems vividly depicted hometown marine landscapes, providing readers with a glimpse into Taiwan’s maritime culture and scenery. The exhibition aimed to inspire a deeper connection with the ocean and foster enjoyment in exploring the marine world through the lens of poetry.