WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2025 9 CHAPTER REPORTS such as salmon year-round. In Korea, it isn’t easy to grow salmon during the summer. The two “Rainbow Trout Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Distribution Models” that have been distributed this time were developed through an MOU with the Korea Trout Farming Association in 2022 and the operation of a field research laboratory, and include four patented technologies, including solid waste automatic removal technology. They practically collaborate to apply the research results directly to the field from the early stages to be used immediately in the industrial field. Among the four patented technologies, three that have completed the patent registration process will be transferred to the Korea Trout Farming Association in the first half of this year. One has completed the patent application process with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 20 last year. A total of 167 trout farms in Korea produce about 3,000 tons of trout annually. However, most (about 95%) use the traditional flowthrough aquaculture method, which uses and discharges breeding water once, and only 5% use the recirculating filtration method. The distribution of recirculating filtration aquaculture systems is urgently needed to replace the imported salmon market, which consumes more than 60,000 tons annually, and to prepare for climate change and the depletion of inland water resources. Accordingly, the NIFS began full-scale research in 2021 on the development of an entry-level RAS model. The main goal was to develop a Korean model suitable for the domestic environment and operating methods while reducing construction costs compared to overseas RAS. To this end, the NIFS has developed a prototype of domestic equipment capable of controlling the environment, such as the automatic removal of solid waste, high-efficiency fluid biological filtration, and flow rate of the breeding tank, for the first time in Korea, and have distributed industrialization technologies necessary for the automation and smartization of fish farms to the field. The Korea Trout Farming Association announced that the recently distributed inland circulating filtration aquaculture system (RAS) model is the first standardized system in Korea. Compared to existing systems and the construction area of the effluent sedimentation tank (within 30% of the aquaculture water area), it can reduce the construction area by 20%. It is expected to contribute significantly to establishing an automation foundation in aquaculture sites where labor is insufficient. President Choi said “The newly developed affordable Rainbow Trout Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) model will contribute to the transition of the aquaculture industry to smart and automated systems, as well as to the response to climate change and natural disasters, the strengthening of the competitiveness of domestic trout aquaculture production, and the development of a sustainable and eco-friendly inland aquaculture industry.” He added” We will continue to do our best to provide practical help to fishermen through field-oriented research.” Revitalizing the Inland Water Industry into a High Value-Added Industry • Policy Operation Direction to Revitalize the Inland Water Industry with the goal of 49,200 tons of inland fishery production by 2028 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced that it established the Policy Operation Direction to Revitalize the Inland Water Industry to increase its competitiveness. Inland aquaculture in Korea began in 1929 with the distribution of carp seedlings at the Jinhae Fish Farm. In the 1980s, it produced 50,000 tons of aquatic products, but production has decreased since the mid-1990s. Inland aquaculture in Korea is around 1% of the total aquatic product production. Inland aquaculture using freshwater is more adaptable to cutting-edge technology than seawater aquaculture, and the need to foster the inland aquaculture industry is being raised as sea catches are decreasing due to climate change and other factors. Accordingly, MOF has prepared this measure intending to produce 9,200 tons of inland aquatic products by 2028. Strategy 1: Support Tailored to Each Local Inland Water Industry First, the ministry will promote the K-River Village Project to converge the inland water industry with retail/processing and leisure/tourism industries to foster it into the 6th industry that reflects regional characteristics. To this end, the ministry will conduct an introductory survey on fishery production, accessibility, and tourism characteristics centered on the five major rivers, including the Han River and Geum River, in 2025 and create three K-River Villages by 2028. Moreover, it will provide 7 ~ 9 weeks of aquaculture education/ training for young people who wish to return to the fishing village to engage in inland water aquaculture and create a youth aquaculture farm for rental. Strategy 2: Transition to Advanced, High Value-Added Aquaculture By the end of 2024, Goesan, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, and Hwasun, Jeollanam-do Province will complete phase 1 smart aquaculture farms capable of remote monitoring and control based on ICT. And phase 2 smart aquaculture farms capable of autonomous and complex control of water temperature, water quality, etc. will be subsequently constructed. Moreover, the ministry will develop new high-value-added aquaculture products such as sea squirts and freshwater shrimp, including technology for producing artificial seeds for the domestic aquaculture of eels, of which approximately 80% of fry depends on imports. It will also develop technology to breed high-value-added varieties such as eels and herbal plants to foster the aquaponics industry. Through this, the ministry aims to implement the ecofriendly transition of inland aquaculture and the convergence of agriculture and fisheries industries. Strategy 3: Expanding Consumer Markets and Improving Production Management To ensure the smooth supply of inland aquatic products, distribution facilities such as the Inland Aquatic Product Distribution and Sales Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Province, scheduled for completion in 2025, will be expanded to the Yeongnam and Honam regions. In addition, convenience foods using catfish and eel will be developed, and research on the health benefits of marsh snails and other ingredients will be conducted to promote consumption. Support will be provided to address non-tariff barriers in export countries, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10)
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