Gangdohyeong Minister of Oceans and Fisheries: "We will prepare comprehensive measures for the fisheries industry to respond to the climate crisis"

Kang Do-hyung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, announced at a press briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 5th that a comprehensive plan to stabilize supply and demand in response to climate inflation will be prepared. / Provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

Minister Kang Do-hyung of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 5th, "We will prepare comprehensive measures, including the aquaculture industry, to respond to changes in fish species, focusing on the fisheries sector."

At a press briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Minister Kang said, "The climate crisis felt through heatwaves and high water temperatures is not a distant future but is directly affecting our lives," adding, "In particular, the damage to our fisheries inevitably affects the public as well."

Minister Kang stated, "We will prepare comprehensive measures that include restructuring the aquaculture industry to respond to changes in fish species centered on the fisheries sector, stabilizing supply and demand amid concerns about climate inflation, responding to disaster damage, and improving regulations." He explained, "To this end, a joint task force (TF) of related agencies has been formed to respond to climate change in the fisheries sector."

Regarding next year's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries research and development budget, Minister Kang said, "The related budget is approximately 823.3 billion KRW, focusing on enhancing crisis response capabilities such as digital and eco-friendly innovation, and climate change across all areas including fisheries, oceans, and shipping." He continued, "In particular, to create future growth engines for the marine and fisheries sector, 18 new research and development projects totaling 60.2 billion KRW have been newly included." Specifically, as part of global research and development, new projects include the Korea-US joint seaweed biomass research project and the development of a seaweed cultivation system. To establish a marine powerhouse ecosystem, investments will be made in the Blue Tech future leader training project and deep tech development technology.

He expressed regret regarding budget projects for women fishers. Minister Kang pointed out, "Women fishers have a significant impact on the fisheries industry," but "support projects for women fishers were not reflected in this budget proposal." He added, "It would have been encouraging if there had been support projects that allowed haenyeo of childbearing age to have children and raise them through subsidies."