Gyeongbuk Province Launches 'High Water Temperature Advisory' Defense Operation to Protect 17 Million Aquaculture Fish in East Coast

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] Gyeongbuk Province announced on the 26th that it is making every effort to prevent damage to land-based and cage aquaculture farms as the high water temperature alert level was expanded from the "interest stage" to a "warning" from Cheongsapo in Busan to the coastal waters of Uljin on the 24th.

There are 81 aquaculture farms currently raising fish in the province, cultivating 17 million fish including Gangdodari (Korean flounder), Jopibollak (rockfish), Neopchi (halibut), abalone, and sea bream species. Gangdodari and Neopchi are species vulnerable to high water temperatures, requiring special attention.

Gyeongbuk Province suffered damage of 135 million KRW in 2019 due to the death of 44,000 Gangdodari and other fish caused by high water temperatures. In 2020, no damage from high water temperatures occurred due to frequent monsoons and typhoons.

Following the issuance of the high water temperature interest stage alert on the 12th, Gyeongbuk Province is promptly providing information on water temperature through 11 real-time water temperature monitoring systems and surveillance by fishery patrol vessels to 1,200 aquaculture farmers and related officials via SNS (group chat rooms) and text messages.

In particular, to minimize damage to aquaculture farms caused by high water temperatures, the province is supporting a total of seven projects with 3.1 billion KRW, including aquaculture product modernization projects and high water temperature response support projects, providing liquefied oxygen supply, cooling devices, and installation of bottom water intake lines to prevent damage.

Song Kyung-chang, head of the East Sea Regional Headquarters of Gyeongbuk Province, stated, "The high water temperature condition caused by the heatwave is expected to continue," and urged, "Aquaculture farms should strictly follow management guidelines to prepare for high water temperatures, such as opening windows to prevent indoor temperature rise in aquaculture facilities, stopping water intake and injecting liquefied oxygen when water temperature rises excessively, and adjusting feed supply."