Yeonggwang-gun Launches 'Smart Aquaculture Cluster Public Contest Project'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeon Seong] Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Kim Joon-sung) announced on the 22nd that it will officially begin preparations for the ‘2021 Smart Aquaculture Cluster Creation Contest Project’ hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

As the first step in preparing for the contest project, the county plans to conduct a feasibility study for the creation of smart aquaculture.

Through the survey, it plans to analyze suitable site conditions, present a standardized model for aquaculture facilities, and prepare a basic plan, as well as analyze the policy, economic, and technical ripple effects resulting from the creation of smart aquaculture.

The county has designated ‘Chamjogi’ (Korean croaker) as the main species for smart aquaculture and, in response to the crisis in the Gulbi industry caused by resource depletion and to foster a sustainable aquaculture industry, held a meeting with smart aquaculture experts and signed a consignment contract with the Yeonggwang branch of the Marine Fisheries Science Institute.

Through the consignment contract, it has been promoting the distribution of Chamjogi fertilized eggs, festival-style pilot aquaculture, and distributing Chamjogi seeds to private aquaculture companies, continuously advancing research and development for the industrialization of Chamjogi aquaculture.

A county official said, “According to aquaculture research results over the past three years, Chamjogi is resistant to high temperatures and diseases and can be produced in a short period of six months, proving its aquaculture efficiency and competitiveness,” adding, “It has the advantage of being able to be frozen for storage, allowing supply volume control, and once the project is completed, it is expected to greatly contribute to the revitalization of the Yeonggwang Gulbi industry.”