• Magong Harbor “Penghu Magong Harbor Wharf No. 1 Oil Pier Extension Project” Underwater Cultural Heritage Monitoring Plan during Dredging Operations

Due to the dredging project at Magong Harbor, aimed at meeting the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' tourism policy to accommodate larger oil tankers and Coast Guard vessels, the existing port is being expanded and deepened. Since 2022, the center has undertaken on-site underwater cultural heritage monitoring during the dredging operations, in collaboration with the project’s schedule. Archaeological specialists were stationed on-site for monitoring.

During the monitoring, several large timber pieces, some clad in copper sheathing and window glass fragments, were discovered, along with ceramics preliminarily identified as potentially valuable underwater cultural assets. These artifacts have been cataloged and are currently under further study. The findings will be published in 2025 in a catalog titled "Memories Submerged—Treasures of Magong Harbor."

The publication was initially planned for 2024 but was delayed due to an extension of the monitoring project. The monitoring concluded in May 2024, and the revised report was finalized in November. The production of the catalog officially began afterward.

Current Progress:

1.Approximately 300 artifacts have been selected for inclusion.

2.The catalog will be divided into three volumes, organized chronologically.

3.Detailed descriptions of the artifacts will be provided, along with line drawings for selected items.

4.Professional photography of the artifacts took place from December 16 to 19, 2024 in Penghu. The image editing process is expected to finish by early 2025.

5.Layout design, proofreading, and review will be carried out throughout 2025, with the publication scheduled for mid-2025.

The catalog will present the public with the historical significance of the Magong Harbor underwater artifacts, offering a valuable glimpse into the port's maritime past.