July and August are the peak time for sardines which are isphototactic. More than a century ago, local people created the "Sulfur Fire Fishing Method" unique to the north coast of Taiwan. The navigating fire chief adds water to Sulphur stone to produce flammable "acetylene", which causes the sardines to jump out of the sea when the gas is ignited and there is a loud “bang.” The fire is lit from one boat to another and the flames used to light up the port area, which is why “Huanggang Sulfur Flame Fishing" is one of the Jinshan eight scenic spots.
In order to prevent "Sulfuric Fire Fishing" from disappearing, Jinshan cultural and historical researchers, private operators and the local government worked relentlessly for years and in 2010 it was officially recognized as an important part of local cultural heritage by New Taipei City. Shikai Jian, the "fire chief" on the Fuji 268 sulfuric fire fishing boat is a young man returning home with the heavy responsibility of steering the last "sulfuric fire fishing boat" in Taiwan and passing on this century-old skill.
“Jinshan Sulfuric Fire Fishing Culture Exhibition” starts at Jinshan Visitor Center on August 19 and seeks to promote greater understanding of Jinshan's unique fishing culture by recreating an interactive presentation of traditional sulfuric fire fishing.
