Gangneung City: "Water Quality Tests Normal... Fish Likely Released Back"
Anglers Cite Environmental Changes and Water Pollution as Possible Causes
About 100 mullet carcasses were found at a fishing spot near a beach in Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province.
On the 10th, Yonhap News reported that around 9 a.m. on the 8th, an angler filed a complaint with the city hall stating that "about 100 mullet carcasses are visible" in the brackish water area near Yeomjeon Beach in Gangneung, where freshwater and seawater mix.
Gangneung City collected about 50 mullet carcasses from the site and measured dissolved oxygen levels and hydrogen ion (pH) concentration. The results showed that the dissolved oxygen in the dead fish was abundant, and no toxic substances were detected. Since the pH level was also confirmed to be within the normal range, the city decided not to conduct additional water quality tests.
Dead mullet fish found near Yeomjeon Beach, Gangneung, Gangwon Province. Provided by Gangneung City, Yonhap News Agency
Regarding the cause of the mass mullet deaths, the city, based on opinions from nearby anglers, believes that some anglers may have released smaller or less marketable mullet back into the water, or that mullet injured by fishing hooks during net fishing died. However, opinions among anglers differ.
Mr. A, who was fishing at the same location on the 9th, told Yonhap News, "Mullet sometimes die when they cannot adapt to rapid environmental changes in spring," adding, "Perhaps a few dead fish accumulated over time, which is why they were found in a cluster."
On the other hand, some believe there is a possibility of external pollutants entering the area, as there are thermal power plants and restaurant districts near the site of the deaths.
Angler Mr. B said, "I have been fishing around here for about 30 years, and I have rarely seen carcasses found in large clusters at once," adding, "The fish appear to have been dead for over a week, and it is presumed they died due to external factors such as water pollution." Witness Mr. C, who saw the site on the day of the incident, claimed, "I have been fishing frequently in that area recently, and the carcasses accumulated within a day," asserting, "The river water is definitely polluted."
Environmental groups also expressed the opinion that a more detailed investigation of this phenomenon is necessary. They stated that it is difficult to conclude the cause of this incident based solely on on-site water quality measurements. Since fish are sensitive to water temperature changes and the area is undergoing rapid ecological changes due to the construction of thermal power plants, it was suggested that investigations consider various possibilities.
The city plans to strengthen monitoring of the area for the time being and keep a close watch on whether similar cases recur.
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