Gangwon-do, First Success in Farming Native Korean Freshwater Fish 'Miyugi'

Private Aquaculture Farmer Receives Free Transfer of Aquaculture Patent Technology and Achieves First Mass Production Success

Korean Native Freshwater Fish Miyugi [Gangwon Inland Water Resources Center]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The Gangwon Inland Water Resources Center announced on the 23rd that a private aquaculture farm, which received the patent technology for "mass production of artificial seeds of the native Korean species 'Miyugi'" developed in 2019 free of charge, has succeeded in mass production for the first time nationwide and released about 22,000 juvenile fish into the Yanggu Suipcheon stream.

'Miyugi' is a native Korean species found only on the Korean Peninsula, resembling catfish in appearance, and is known as 'mountain catfish' or 'kkaldak catfish.'

It was once easily seen in clear mountain valleys, but due to rapid environmental changes and habitat destruction recently, it is an indigenous freshwater fish urgently needing resource recovery.

Since 2015, the province has initiated research for resource recovery and species preservation of Miyugi, and in 2019, developed and patented the country's first mass production technology for artificial seeds.

Since 2021, the province has actively supported commercial production in the private sector for the first time nationwide by disseminating Miyugi aquaculture technology and providing on-site technical guidance more than 30 times. Currently, three private aquaculture farms (two in Yanggu, one in Inje) within the province are producing large quantities of seeds.

The center plans to support farms wishing to engage in aquaculture by ▲joint research on broodstock at aquaculture sites and seed distribution ▲support for inducing spawning of broodstock owned by aquaculture farms and artificial fertilization technology ▲customized technology for aquaculture sites.

A center official stated, "We will establish a foundation for the industrialization of Miyugi aquaculture within the province and contribute to regional economic revitalization of inland waters by restoring resources and creating new income for aquaculture farmers."