Inheriting a Century-Old Family Business, Zhanghua Youth Becomes an Oyster Farmer

In Zhanghua, Taiwan, a young man named Cai Shangqi is carrying on a century-old family legacy, embracing the life of an oyster farmer after graduating from university. At 27, Cai is the fourth-generation successor to his family's oyster farming business in the Kuaishao village of Shengang Township.

While his father had hoped Cai would pursue a different career path after higher education, Cai found himself drawn to the sea and the demanding work of oyster cultivation and fishing. He officially took over the family business four years ago, continuing a tradition that began during the Japanese colonial era.

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They have been engaged in oyster farming since the Japanese occupation era. Because generations have been fishermen, my father hoped I could go to work after attending university. But because I was influenced since childhood, I fell in love with the work of inserting oysters and fishing. After graduating from university, I immediately 'went down to the sea to become an oyster man', taking over as the fourth generation successor in the family, and have been doing it for 4 years.

Currently, Cai and his family are working against time to harvest their oysters as Typhoon Hongxia approaches Taiwan, bringing potential strong winds and heavy rainfall that could impact the crop. The urgency of the harvest has attracted local buyers, including customers and even local councilor Lai Ching-mei, who came to purchase freshly shucked oysters directly from the farm.

Customers and officials alike have expressed admiration for Cai's dedication and hard work, noting the rarity of young people choosing to continue traditional fishing industries. This succession is seen as crucial in preventing a generational gap in the oyster farming sector. The oysters harvested during this period, typically from late June to October, are known for their plumpness and firm texture due to the combination of winter cold and summer sun.

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Cai Shangqi is only 27 years old this year, and he is very young. Seeing a young person in the fishing village willing to take over the oyster farming family business and be able to endure hardship and work hard is really rare, and it prevents the oyster farming industry from having a generational gap.