2023.08.29

In May 2023, the restoration of Lake Success, a well-known landmark at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan, was successfully concluded. Generously supported by NTHU alumni, this initiative not only enhanced the water quality but also introduced improvements such as a waterfront pier, a lakeside promenade, and evening lighting, further augmenting the lake's allure.
 
As a gesture of gratitude for the alumni's support in this huge undertaking, NTHU held a gratitude event on August 29, 2023. During the event, over 1,700 fish, including black carp and grass carp, were introduced to maintain the lake's ecological equilibrium.
 
NTHU stated that Lake Success had experienced prolonged sediment buildup, leading to murky water and limitations on activities like boating. In late 2019, a fundraising campaign aimed at both domestic and international alumni was initiated to revitalize the lake.
 
The response was swift and overwhelmingly positive, resulting in a total of NT$ 60 million being collected. This initiative, undertaken since mid-2022, marked the most extensive restoration effort since NTHU's campus relocation to its current site in Hsinchu in 1956.
 
In the gratitude event, NTHU expressed appreciation towards all alumni who contributed donations. Among them, Kuo-lin Hu (胡國琳) (Department of Mathematics, 1984) generously sponsored the "Ling-ling and Kuo-lin Ecological Trail," "Zai-han Waterfront," and "Lai-yu Green Embankment." YN Chen (陳昱寧) (Department of Physics, 1974) contributed to the creation of "Yuning Island." Eric Tsai (蔡進步) (Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, 1981), chairman of the NTHU Alumni Association, provided support for the construction of "Progress Pier," while alumni from the class of 1970 collectively contributed to the establishment of the “1970 Garden.”
 
Representing NTHU faculty and students, President W. John Kao (高為元) extended special thanks for the generous donations made by NTHU alumni. He mentioned that Lake Success is situated at the core of the NTHU campus and that it holds a special place in the hearts of many alumni. Fond memories of campus life, including activities such as boating and birthday festivities, are frequently intertwined with Lake Success.
 
Under the direction of retired honorary Prof. Chyng-shyan Tzeng (曾晴賢) from the College of Life Sciences and Medicine, NTHU released a controlled number of five different types of fish fry on the occasion. The species of fish that were released are highly effective in eradicating algae and consuming mosquito larvae, consequently enhancing water quality and preserving the ecological equilibrium of Lake Success.
 
Prof. Tzeng stated that the fish fry released during the event include native Taiwanese species like the paradise fish, as well as four commonly found Chinese carp varieties in Taiwan - silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp, and black carp. All of these fish play a key role in maintaining water quality.
 
For instance, paradise fish eat mosquito larvae and small insects, thereby curbing their population growth. Silver carp are filter feeders, feeding primarily on phytoplankton, while bighead carp feed on both zooplankton and large phytoplankton, mitigating the effects of lake eutrophication. Grass carp are a non-chemical alternative for aquatic weed control, as they primarily feed on aquatic plants and algae. Black carp are used as a biocontrol agent against foreign invasive species such as apple snails.
 
Prof. Tzeng explained that in the past, some individuals released koi and non-native tilapia into Lake Success. However, these fish species tend to disrupt the sediment at the lake's bottom, resulting in murky water conditions. He advised against releasing fish or other organisms into Lake Success without proper consideration, in order to prevent degradation of water quality and ecological balance. He also expressed hope that students, faculty, and the public can work together to protect the beauty of Lake Success.