The Chairperson of the Ocean Affairs Council, Pi-ling Kuan, attended the launch event of the GoOcean App (Marine Recreation Risk Information App), developed in accordance with the "Respect the Sea" policy, at the National Academy of Marine Research on December 26th.In her opening speech, Minister Bi-ling Kuan highlighted the contributions of the Ocean Affairs Council and its assistance to the Executive Yuan in promoting the "Salute to the Sea " policy since 2020. The council has actively supported local governments in enhancing communication with private organizations and improving risk notifications, safety measures, and rescue capabilities in recreational areas, following the principles of "openness and effective management" in marine safety. Minister Kuan emphasized her commitment to the "Three Safeties and Four (Comprehensive) Maritime" policy, particularly focusing on the "pre-disaster risk disclosure" and "post-disaster immediate rescue" aspects of the "safety" strategy. In 2024, she plans to allocate a budget of up to NTD 35 million to collaborate with local governments in enhancing the marine safety networks.
Furthermore, what particularly impressed her was the contribution of the National Academy of Marine Research to technology-assisted governance and technology benefits for the people. In 4 demonstration areas, namely the North Coast, Northeast Corner, Pengnan, and Hengchun Peninsula, the academy strengthens marine environmental monitoring and assesses recreational risks using new technologies. Researchers, through innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, transform initially complex marine information into easily understandable real-time risk information, represented by a "traffic light" system, thus making marine recreation safer. This holds significant and indicative value for realizing the principles of "information transparency," "clear risk assessment," and "accountability" in the "Salute to the Sea" strategy.
Minister Kuan also mentioned that, upon assuming office, she instructed the National Academy of Marine Research to internationalize the GoOcean and provide a user-friendly mobile app. This initiative aims to enable Taiwanese citizens and foreign tourists to enjoy Taiwan's beautiful marine islands for recreation and sports, ensuring a joyful marine experience and a safe return home. The National Academy of Marine Research has collaborated with users from various fields to develop an English version and a mobile app.
The launch event specifically invited several marine enthusiasts who actively participated in optimizing the GoOcean app. Transitioning from users to contributors, they collectively witnessed the birth of this marine app. All participants unanimously acknowledged that GoOcean, developed independently by the Taiwanese, offers more accurate, comprehensive, and user-friendly information than other foreign software. It is considered an excellent tool for individuals new to marine activities and those eager to explore the ocean.
In line with these user endorsements, the National Academy of Marine Research hopes to continue promoting the GoOcean app's marine recreation risk information services to the Taiwanese public. This effort is seen as significantly contributing to the country's goal of opening up the ocean under the premise of safety. Minister Bi-ling Kuan also encourages the public to download and use the app extensively, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's safety while fostering love and closeness to the ocean.
