Talking With a Turtle Volunteer
by Lee Hsin-yi · Oct 2026
Xiaoliuqiu is a small island off the coast of Pingtung, and it is famous for its sea turtles. Our school paper talked to Annie Chou, a college student who has worked there as a for three summers.
Q: How did you start? A: My family visited the island when I was fifteen. I went snorkeling and saw a green sea turtle eating plants on a rock. It was so and so close to me. I have loved turtles ever since. After high school, I joined a group which helps protect them.
Q: What does a volunteer do? A: Many different jobs! We clean the beaches every morning. A lot of the garbage is brought in by the waves, like bottles, fishing nets and plastic bags. Turtles sometimes eat plastic bags because they look like jellyfish. We also teach visitors the rules. People should keep a of at least three meters from a turtle and never touch it.
Q: What has been the hardest part? A: Some tourists don't listen. I once saw a man who tried to sit on a turtle for a photo. I had to stop him in front of a crowd, and he shouted at me. I felt , but I did the right thing.
Q: Has anything changed since you started? A: Yes. Plastic straws are no longer given out in many shops on the island. Also, each turtle has its own face pattern, so we take photos and keep a record of them. We have hundreds of turtles so far. That makes me . You don't need to live by the sea to help, either. Use less plastic, and tell your friends about the turtles. Small changes really matter.