Due to the impact of industrial pollution and land reclamation in the north, only about 7 km (4.3 mi) of relatively healthy algal reef areas remain in the south.

The algal reefs, dominated by coralline algae, began to develop about 4,400 years ago, probably because the environment at that time was not suitable for coral growth.

[5][6] However, the Taoyuan City Government spent NT$9.2 million to ask the Taiwan Wetland Society to investigate and recommended "wise use" to designate it as a wildlife reserve.

After deliberation and approval by the Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan, it was designated as a wildlife reserve for zoning management.

The Center for Biological Diversity of Academia Sinica has used "Underwater Soundscape" to explore algal reefs and found that there are many sounds made by crustaceans.