Managing deep ocean water development in Taiwan: Experiences and future challenges

Deep ocean water (DOW) is commonly referred to as the water below photic zone in the ocean that is typically cold, clean, stable, and rich in nutrients. Japan and the United States have been exploiting the DOW for utilization in water, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and fishery industries for many years. Since 2000, Taiwan has started the preliminary planning for the exploitation of DOW, including site evaluation, water quality investigation, and bathymetric survey of the potential DOW development sites. The seabed bathymetry in eastern Taiwan has a natural advantage, where the water depth can reach 500 m just several kilometers offshore, making it a rather unique place on earth that can exploit DOW economically. This paper reviews the current status for the development of DOW in Taiwan, from actual site investigations conducted and documents analysis. Recommendations for the future efforts of this fledging industry are also given.