Climate change is having an increasingly noticeable impact on seafood supplies in South Korea. Rising temperatures and changing ocean conditions are causing significant declines in fish populations, creating serious challenges for the fishing industry and aquaculture.
Declining Catch and Rising Prices
Recent reports highlight a substantial reduction in the catch of key species, such as salmon and yellowfin tuna, leading to a greater reliance on imports and rising prices:
Salmon: Prices have risen by 9% over the past month, primarily due to the depreciation of the Korean won, which has made imported fish more expensive. The South Korean market for Atlantic salmon is entirely dependent on imports, which have increased by 5% compared to the previous year.
Yellowfin Tuna: Demand for this species has also surged, but the country remains heavily reliant on Japanese imports, which have risen by 113% over the past year.
Investing in Climate-Resilient Aquaculture
To address the challenges posed by climate change, South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has announced an investment of 30 billion won over the next four years to develop aquaculture facilities. These facilities will focus on cultivating climate-resilient species to reduce dependence on imports.
Strategies for the Future
Amid ongoing climate challenges, the government aims to:
Expand domestic seafood production.
Ensure the availability of seafood for consumers.
Stabilize prices for key fish species, such as salmon and tuna.
These efforts are designed to mitigate the impact of global climate change on the domestic market and maintain food security.
🌍 South Korea’s situation underscores the global consequences of climate change on the fishing industry, highlighting the need for innovative solutions and sustainable seafood production practices.