WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2024 17 In Korea, Local Governments and Institutes are Spurring Research on Regional Varieties in Response to Climate Change Jin Hyeon-Kyeong In recent years, rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events accelerated by climate change have caused severe problems for aquaculture organisms. These include the development of new diseases and mass die-offs. However, in response to these challenges, the National Institute of Fisheries Science and institutes affiliated with local Korean governments are working together to pursue various research efforts. They are developing new aquaculture varieties, breeding disease-resistant organisms, and implementing other measures to overcome the crisis in aquaculture caused by climate change. This collaborative approach underscores the shared responsibility in addressing these issues. Some recent examples are reviewed here. Gyeongsangnam-do Fisheries Resources Research Institute (Gyeongnam) Gyeongnam is accelerating the development of new aquaculture species in addition to the existing major aquaculture species such as Cham-dom (Korean for red sea bream, Pagrus major), Zo-py-bollag (black rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii), and Sung-eo (mullet, Mugil cephalus). It is evaluating various fish species to solve the problem of currently cultured fishes, such as black seabream, being vulnerable to high temperatures. Gyeongnam started farming Jaes-bang-eo (greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili) in 2023. In April 2024, it signed an agreement with the Subtropical Fisheries Research Institute to distribute Ben-ja-ri (chicken grunt, Parapristipoma trilineatum) fry from Jeju. Ben-ja-ri is a fish species native to Jeju Island but it has recently been found in Gyeongnam due to rising water temperatures. Accordingly, in response to requests from fishermen in the province, Gyeongnam is developing aquaculture technology in collaboration with Jeju Island and plans to produce Ben-ja-ri eggs next year. However, if the plan is delayed, it will consider purchasing Ben-ja-ri broodstock. Research on Beong-eo (silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus) cultivation started in 2019 and will continue until 2025. In addition, Gyeongnam has been researching Neung-seong-eo (convict grouper, Hyporthodus septemfasciatus) and completed securing broodstock in 2014. It aims to establish a mass production system for fertilized eggs and distribute them to provincial fishers. Gyeongnam also conducts crossbreeding tests between Ba-ri (grouper) family (Serranidae) fishes. The research was prepared in 2017 and began in earnest in 2021, and purebred Dae-wang-ba-ri (giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus) was imported, also in 2021. Developing seed production technology for the purebred Moo-nui-ba-ri (leopard coral grouper, Plectropomus leopardus) also began in 2020. However, since they are not native to Korea, they will not be released. JeollaNam-do Institute of Ocean & Fisheries Science JeollaNam-do (Jeonnam) is a mecca for abalone farming due to the abundance of seaweed and feed for abalone. Jeonnam has been researching abalone suitable for the waters of Wando, Goheung, Jindo, and Sinan since 2022 and plans to complete the research by 2025~2026. The marine environment of these four waters is being investigated, and species suitable for those waters are being discovered, bred, and distributed. In addition, the Haenam Branch of the Jeonnam Institute of Ocean & Fisheries Science is researching new varieties of Gim (laver), such as ‘Hat-ba-di No. 1, the first variety with plant variety rights,’ which can cope with high temperatures. As for fish, research is being conducted to cultivate the high-temperature species of Chamjo-gi (small yellow croaker, Larimichthys polyactis) that appear along the coast in summer, and Gaduri (cage) farming is being planned in the waters of Geomundo, Yeosu. Research on Min-eo (brown croaker, Miichthys miiuy) for seed release is in the experimental trial stage, but there is a problem with securing broodstock. In addition, the Resource Creation Research Institute of the Institute of Ocean & Fisheries Science is conducting research on cephalopods such as Gab-o-jing-eo (common cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis), Jju-kku-mi (webfoot octopus, Amphioctopus fangsiao), and Nag-ji (small octopus, Octopus minor). Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province (Jeonbuk) Fisheries Technology Research Institute Jeonbuk Fisheries Technology Research Institute conducts seed production and enhancement projects for Bag-dae (tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis), Kkoch-ge (blue crab, Portunus trituberculatus), Jju-kku-mi (webfoot octopus, Amphioctopus fangsiao), and Ba-ji-lag (Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum). It also conducts on-site training for fishermen and transfers seed production and adult fish farming technology to the East and West Seas and Jeju Island. It also aims to commercialize the species Beom-ga-ja-mi (spotted halibut, Verasper variegatus) by 2027. It announced that the larvae will mature in 2025, and the artificial egg collection process will proceed in January and February. The Institute is also researching establishing a year-round Gim (laver) production system. Gim is a seasonal product mainly available in winter, but this research introduces the land-based aquaculture system. The facility was installed in November 2023 and is in operation. In the original Gim farming system, all the laver is in the conchocelis stage in June. The Institute is currently securing laver fronds, and experiments are underway to analyze the production per tank area, nutrient and light requirements, and economic feasibility. Officials explained that the ultimate goal is accumulating and disseminating these technologies to fishermen. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18)
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