Taiwan’s ageing seaweed harvesters hope younger women wade in to keep tradition alive

Taiwan’s seaweed harvesters, like 72-year-old Wu Feng-chiao, are grappling with the harsh realities of an aging workforce as younger generations shy away from the dangerous and physically demanding task of foraging along the Pacific Ocean’s rocky shores. This traditional practice, which Wu has continued for decades, is crucial for local communities and the economy, producing seaweed jelly and other products. As the younger population remains disinterested, the future of this age-old tradition hangs in the balance, highlighting the broader issue of cultural preservation and the need for new generations to engage with heritage practices.