WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2023 9 CHAPTER REPORTS developed in preparation for climate change. The Aquaculture Fisheries Cooperatives requested information about the research status of developing breeds of red snapper and rockfish. The heads of Aquaculture Fisheries Cooperatives expressed their appreciation that the research on the pending issues raised in the previous forum provided a lot of help to aquaculture producers. A new request was made for research on: development of a flounder vaccine and disease research; distribution of of flounder breeds; promotion of commercializing convenient fish food; prevention of sea squirts due to HABs and high water temperature; and cockle seed development technology. The NIFS has used this forum to conduct research to resolve issues identified by the cooperative heads and there have been tangible results. 2022 Sea Farm Show The 2022 Sea Farm Show was held in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, in December. This aquaculture expo event has been held annually since 2016 and has celebrated its eighth anniversary. It is a venue to publicize aquaculture technology and safe and delicious products produced in Korea. Hosted by the MOF every year, related organizations such as local governments and fisheries cooperatives across the country participated. Newly developed aquaculture technology was disseminated to fishermen, and cooking techniques using farmed aquatic products were announced, intending to promote marine product consumption. The 2022 Sea Farm Show was held under the theme of ‘Grow Smarter and Safer.’ The MOF set up a policy promotion center to introduce technologies that would lead the future of the aquaculture industry, such as smart aquaculture using artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, and eco-friendly aquaculture using seawater filtration systems, as well as seafood safety such as the Food Safety Management Certification System (HACCP). More than 50 companies and organizations set up 114 exhibition booths to promote aquaculture products. Visitors viewed aquatic products such as abalone, flounder, oysters, and catfish, as well as convenient seafood products made using them, and were able to purchase them at reasonable prices. In particular, the golden flounder, developed by the MOF, golden in color, was displayed, and gained sensational popularity in China and elsewhere. Various side events were held: Live Commerce, which sold aquaculture products through major online platforms such as Naver and Coupang. Minister Cho (MOF) appeared at the first real-time broadcast sale and sold abalone porridge convenience foods made with abalone from Wando at half price. Digital Transformation of the Aquaculture Product Supply Chain Mr. Sang-Geun Song, Vice Minister of MOF, held a meeting with related department officials and experts from research institutes on the theme of ‘Digital Transformation of the Aquaculture Supply Chain’ in January. This meeting was prepared to objectively diagnose the status of digitalization in the entire supply chain, from seed production of aquaculture products to breeding methods, distribution, import and export sanitation, quarantine, and seeking future directions. Through this meeting, the MOF shared and discussed the status of digitalization and future promotion plans with department managers and experts from research institutes to set the future direction for digitalization and systematically improve the aquaculture supply chain products through system advancement and linkage by sector. Vice Minister Song emphasized that it is important for the fisheries industry to move away from the producer-centered supply system and to supply customized products that consumers in overseas markets want. 2023 KMI Maritime and Fisheries Outlook The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) held the ‘2023 Maritime and Fisheries Outlook Conference’ in Seoul in January. At the Outlook conference, about 700 maritime and fisheries-related personnel gathered to discuss the global economy, the Korean economy, and the maritime and fisheries industry. According to analysis by the KMI, the value-added growth rate of Korea’s maritime and fisheries industry is expected to decrease by 0.7 percent to 3.2 percent in 2022. Improved aquaculture equipment and management costs for the aquaculture sector are necessary, such as a gradual transition strategy to smart aquaculture. — Ik Kyo Chung, President Asian Pacific, continued from page 4 seafood trade and consumption. Again, we welcome you to Darwin, sure to be another exciting conference in this historic city of Australia’s Northern Territory, renowned for its numerous natural wonders and spectacular scenery, ancient aboriginal heritage, wildlife and endless adventure opportunities. — Krishna Salin, President A few weeks ago, we celebrated the retirement of Dr. Kevan Main from Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida, USA on 31 January 2023. We understand she now shifts to an emeritus position, where she will continue to serve in research activities. Words cannot express our profound gratitude to Dr. Main for all the great work Africa, continued from page 6 she did in supporting the establishment and operationalization of the African Chapter, which she is committed to continue doing. I hope to meet some of you at the upcoming World Aquaculture 2023 in Darwin, Northern Territories, Australia from 29 May to 1 June 2023! — John K. Walakira, President
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