Chairman Lee Gae-ho: "Suhyup Must Actively Strive to Overcome the Fisheries Industry Crisis"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Lee Gae-ho, Chairman of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Fisheries Committee (Democratic Party of Korea, Damyang-Hampyeong-Yeonggwang-Jangseong), urged the Korea Fisheries Cooperative Federation (Suhyup) to make active efforts to overcome the crisis in the fisheries industry, which is facing difficulties due to decreased production and COVID-19, during the National Assembly inspection on the 22nd.

Last year, the production volume of Korea's coastal fisheries was 914,000 tons, a decrease of about 9.7% compared to 2018. In the first half of this year, coastal fisheries production was 369,000 tons, down 4.6% compared to the same period last year.

In particular, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the consumption of seafood has stagnated, causing serious income instability for fishermen, and the economic downturn and the spread of non-face-to-face culture are threatening the very culture of seafood consumption.

Chairman Lee emphasized, “As a cooperative representing fishermen and the fisheries industry, Suhyup should actively promote domestic seafood consumption by actively participating in the convenience food market, such as 'meal kit' products that align with the non-face-to-face culture, and should study ways to supply various seafood to group meals such as schools to strive for the foundation of the future fisheries industry.”

He also pointed out that, along with the stagnation of the fisheries industry, merchants in fisheries markets such as Noryangjin are complaining of economic difficulties due to poor business performance.

Rep. Lee said, “Local governments and public institutions such as Seoul City and Korail are taking the lead in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis by reducing rents by half for stores they own or operate to support small business owners struggling due to the spread of COVID-19,” and added, “Suhyup should actively refer to such cases, carefully examine the difficult situation of fisheries market merchants, and prepare support measures.”