This paper outlines the development of a socioeconomic vulnerability indicator framework (SVIF) which was designed to provide a tool to inform bespoke local adaptation actions along the Taiwanese coast. The framework incorporates a range of diverse indicators, from ones that are related to demographic characteristics to others that represent economic and infrastructure features. As such, the framework encapsulates multiple and complex dimensions of socio-economic vulnerability rather than deriving a less nuanced single index; this is an approach that, whilst more commonly employed elsewhere, may mask critical features of socioeconomic vulnerability at local levels. The paper describes the piloting of the SVIF as it quantifies and visually summarizes the susceptibility and resilience of four townships (Mailiao, Kauho, Linbian and Jiadong) along the exposed coast of Southwest Taiwan. The paper demonstrates the SVIF’s potential in characterizing specific aspects of socio-economic vulnerability that local decision-makers could use to tailor local adaptation. The SVIF was successful in differentiating between the four local areas, highlighting clear differences between urban and rural townships. With further development by using a more participative approach and expanding its application to wider geographical contexts both in Taiwan and further afield, the authors are confident that the SVIF has the potential to provide a useful tool for local adaptation.

This study identifies and explores the key factors and issues that influence Taiwanese consumer behavior and preferences when it comes to the consumption of white shrimp. It aims to increase consumer confidence in, and purchase intention for, private-brand white shrimp and to develop marketing strategies and models for farmers who operate a self-produced, self-sold model. This study adopted the Alphabet theory and EKB modeling to obtain a holistic picture of white shrimp purchase behavior and consumer preferences. A semi-questionnaire was conducted with 921 consumers of white shrimp between November 2020 and March 2021, of which 787 questionnaires were valid and used in this study. Our study revealed the following noteworthy points. Freshness and drug residue are the two main concerns of white shrimp purchasers. The results of the consumer study show the existence of statistically significant differences between the defined segments in terms of general characteristics, consumption habits and behavior, and motivation for product awareness and purchase intention, as well as determination of the option of obtaining white shrimp for consumption. Our findings suggest that there is a significant correlation between product awareness and purchase intention. This has a number of practical implications for the self-produced, self-sold aquaculture farmer. In particular, it highlights the importance of the following: 1. establishing connection and trust by business model innovation, 2. improving product image and value, 3. providing product safety information to increase purchase intention and willingness to pay, and 4. developing production and sale plans in response to market demand.

The population of the Chinese white dolphin along Taiwan’s west coast is under a range of threats. The designation of marine protected areas (MPA) is urgently required for their protection. However, conflicts between specific species conservation and fishing rights mean that the success of such a designation relies on the fishers’ perceptions and awareness of an MPA. Designating offshore wind farms within MPAs can be a mechanism for minimizing conflicts between fisheries and conservation. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential for designating an offshore wind farm within an MPA for Chinese white dolphin conservation by exploring the attitudes of local fishers. This study used face-to-face questionnaires. The results show that the main challenges are conflicts of interest, insufficient science-based information, and inadequate law enforcement. Offshore wind farms could be a way to maximize the benefits for different stakeholders and positively impact the marine environment and ecosystem. This study makes feasible recommendations on how to improve conservation, promote renewable energy, and encourage sustainable fisheries.

Field inspection is a traditional way to detect the problem of shaft imbalance or abnormal vibration in a ship propulsion system; however, the ship cannot execute any tasks or activities during calibration. This study develops a human-machine monitoring interface (HMMI) to estimate vibration abnormalities and implement an intelligent active balance correction to the propulsion system online. In this study, Arduino IDE, InduSoft, and LabVIEW are used to create a function monitored by HMMI. By comparing the abnormal vibration amplification of the moment of inertia, HMMI calculates the correct mass to reduce the vibration. The experimental results show that, after HMMI carries out continuous active balance correction online, the correction rate achieves 105.37%. This indicates that HMMI can calculate the amount of imbalance and phase angles and drive a counterweight to the correct balance position while the device is still operating.