[Issue] "90% of Wando Seaweed Wiped Out"... Fishermen Outraged Over Jeollanam-do's Reactive Response

Lost 47.9 Billion Won... Seaweed Catastrophe Leaves Fishermen in Despair
Wando Assembly Members Outraged: "Professional Response System Has Disappeared"

Despite a large-scale mass die-off at seaweed farms around Wando and Goheung in Jeollanam-do, the Jeollanam-do provincial government has failed to present an adequate response, leading to growing frustration among fishermen.

Even though Wando accounts for 70% of the nation’s seaweed production and is experiencing a mass die-off, a comprehensive survey has been delayed, and there was no early warning system in place. This has led to criticism that the authorities are displaying a “typical case of reactive administration.”

A large-scale mass die-off has occurred at seaweed farms around Wando and Goheung in Jeollanam-do, causing significant damage to fishermen. Provided by Wando County

Previously, on November 30, The Asia Business Daily reported in detail on the lack of professional response systems, including delays in comprehensive surveys and the absence of an early warning system. In response, provincial assembly members from the Wando area have taken action.

According to the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council on December 9, Assemblymen Shin Euijoon and Lee Cheol stated during a plenary session that “the livelihoods of fishermen are in serious jeopardy as not only seaweed for processing but also seaweed used as abalone feed have been affected by the large-scale die-off in the Wando area.”

Wando is known as the “number one fisheries hub in Korea,” having produced 354,000 tons of seaweed last year, generating an income of 47.9 billion won. However, recently, both edible seaweed and seaweed used as abalone feed have suffered from frond detachment and mass die-offs. In some farms, the damage rate has reached as high as 90%, highlighting the severity of the situation.

“Could Have Been Prevented with Early Warning”

Local fishermen are directing their anger at the Jeollanam-do provincial government. They claim that prolonged abnormal marine conditions, such as high water temperatures, have led to mass mortality at the seedling stage, but the local government failed to take action.

Fishermen have stated, “If water temperature changes had been monitored and an early warning had been issued, we could have adjusted the timing of seedling transplantation or taken other measures. The professional response system that once existed has completely disappeared.”

Assemblyman Lee Cheol criticized, “With the delay in comprehensive surveys and the absence of an early warning system, there was no professional monitoring or inspection system in place, leaving fishermen helpless in the face of damage. Only after the incident did the authorities begin investigations, which is a textbook example of reactive administration.”

Assemblyman Shin Euijoon added, “Fishermen are extremely anxious, asking whether the same damage will be repeated even if they restart farming. We urge the authorities to quickly identify the exact cause.”

Concerns Over Soaring Seaweed Prices… “Government and Local Authorities Must Take Responsibility”

With production plummeting, a rise in seaweed prices is inevitable. Other types of seaweed, such as kelp, are also suffering from damage due to changing marine conditions, which is expected to impact overall seafood prices.

So far, high water temperatures, changes in the marine environment, and disease have been cited as possible causes, but the exact cause has yet to be identified. Damage has also been reported at seaweed farms near Yaksan Island, prompting an investigation by the National Institute of Fisheries Science.

Fishermen are demanding that the government and local authorities provide substantial financial support, identify the exact cause, and establish a long-term response system for changing marine environments. The provincial council has strongly urged the provincial administration to swiftly complete the comprehensive survey, scientifically determine the cause in cooperation with specialized institutions such as the National Institute of Fisheries Science, and establish responsible compensation measures for the damage.