Sancheong County Releases Sogari Fry to Preserve Native Fish Species

Leading the Preservation of Local Dialects and Restoration of River Ecosystems
Release of 39,000 Sogari Fry
Expecting Increased Income and Boosted Tourism

Sancheong County in Gyeongnam is taking the lead in preserving native fish species and restoring river ecosystems, including the release of Sogari fry. The county announced on the 17th that it had carried out a Sogari fry release project in the Geho River area.

In this project, a total of 39,000 Sogari fry were released. The county is not only conducting this release project but is also working to increase aquatic resources by releasing various native fish species such as Sogari, Euneo, and Dasulgi every year.

Young spotted sea bass fry are being released in the Gyeonghogang area of Sancheong County.

As a result, the Sogari population has been steadily increasing, leading to a remarkable rise in the income of local fishermen. In addition, many Sogari fishing enthusiasts from across the country are visiting Sancheong, contributing to the revitalization of tourism.

The county expects that the continued implementation of these projects will contribute to increasing the population of native fish species, developing tourism resources and local cuisine, and boosting the income of local residents.

A county official stated, "We will continue to work on restoring inland water ecosystems through the release of native fish species such as Sogari, Euneo, and Dasulgi."

Meanwhile, the native species Sogari mainly inhabits the middle and upper reaches of fast-flowing rivers in areas such as the Hangang River and the southern and Yellow Sea coasts of Korea. It is a freshwater carnivorous fish, over 20 cm in length, and sits at the top of the river food chain.

Due to its high added value, it is favored by fishermen and competes with the invasive bass, earning it the title "King of Freshwater Fish." Traditionally, it has been used in royal cuisine and is also known as "Hyojatang" (Soup of Filial Piety), as there is a saying that a filial child would cook it for their elderly parents in the summer.

Today, Sogari is famous as a low-fat, high-protein food enjoyed in various dishes such as Sogari sashimi, spicy stew, braised dishes, soup, and grilled preparations.