Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member Kim Ju-ung Calls for Measures to Address Freshwater Inflow Damage in Gangjin Bay

Mass 'Mortality' of Farmed Abalone... Repeated Fishermen Losses
"The Extent of Fishing Damage Is Not Even Properly Assessed"

A call has been made for measures to address the damage caused by freshwater inflow into Gangjin Bay, Jeollanam-do, and the discharge volume from Namgang Dam.

Kim Ju-ung, a member of the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council (Democratic Party of Korea, proportional representation), demanded an investigation into the damage caused by freshwater inflow into Gangjin Bay during the administrative audit of the Jeollanam-do Marine Fisheries Science Institute on the 5th.

Kim Ju-ung, Jeonnam Provincial Council Member

Assemblyman Kim stated, “Gangjin Bay is a terrain prone to freshwater inflow, and when rainfall at Namgang Dam increases, the amount of freshwater inflow also rises. During the heavy rains in 2021, freshwater flowed into Gangjin Bay, causing the death of approximately 22 million farmed abalones, resulting in repeated damage to aquaculture fishermen.”

He continued, “Although fishermen are suffering damage, the extent of fisheries damage caused by freshwater inflow and the discharge volume from Namgang Dam has not even been properly identified. Research on the impact of freshwater on aquaculture must be conducted,” he urged.

Assemblyman Kim pointed out, “Gangjin Bay is a terrain where the land surrounds the sea, holding very important meaning as a livelihood for fishermen. Objective data on the damage freshwater inflow causes to aquaculture is absolutely necessary.”

He also emphasized, “If the sluice gates of Namgang Dam are opened unexpectedly, fishermen have no capacity to cope with freshwater damage. Communication with the Korea Rural Community Corporation must be ensured to prevent damage to the livelihoods of those engaged in seaweed and abalone aquaculture in Gangjin Bay,” he urged.