▲ Dead rockfish are seen filled in containers at a fish farm in Daeyado, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, in August 2024, when a high water temperature warning was issued.
As the intense summer heat begins and seawater temperatures rise, efforts are accelerating to minimize damage to cage fish farms in the Taean region of Chungcheongnam-do.
According to Taean-gun and other authorities on Tuesday (July 14), the surface water temperature in the seas off Daeyado, Anmyeon-eup, and the waters off Gonam-myeon was measured at 25.0°C (77°F) as of 4:00 p.m. yesterday.
In the nearby waters off Chang-ri, Buseok-myeon, Seosan, the surface water temperature reached 26.6°C (80°F), with the mid-layer temperature at 25.3°C (78°F).
The National Institute of Fisheries Science issues a preliminary high water temperature advisory when temperatures are expected to reach 25°C (77°F), a high water temperature advisory when they reach 28°C (82°F), and a high water temperature warning when the 28°C (82°F) temperature persists for three or more days.
With a high water temperature advisory expected soon, fish farmers in the Taean region have stopped feeding medium-sized fish and larger since the beginning of this month.
One farmer stated, "Just as people can get sick if they eat too much when it is extremely hot, the same applies to fish, increasing the risk of mortality," adding, "We are adjusting feed supply while monitoring changes in water temperature."
By last month, Taean-gun had completed the distribution of 5.7 tons of immune boosters and 571 nets with better seawater circulation to fish farms.
The county is also operating an emergency response team in collaboration with fishing industry organizations, providing guidance on step-by-step measures such as maintaining appropriate stocking density and early harvesting.
Once a high water temperature advisory is issued, the county plans to conduct disease testing and proceed with the emergency release of farmed fish.
In August of last year, 1.521 million rockfish were released from fish farms in the Taean region.
A county official said, "Preventive measures and rapid initial response are more important than anything else when it comes to high water temperature damage," adding, "We will do our best to minimize damage to fish farms by pursuing both short-term responses and fundamental measures."
Previously, in 2024, 7.195 million fish died at fish farms in Cheonsu Bay, Taean, resulting in a record-high damage of 8.381 billion won. Following that, 936,000 fish died last year, causing 2.599 billion won in damages.
In Cheonsu Bay, Taean, 128 households are currently farming 20.408 million fish, primarily rockfish.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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