▲ Squid caught off Gangwon's East Coast
Experts have pointed out the urgent need for a massive overhaul in fisheries policy as marine resources undergo rapid changes, marked by a sharp drop in squid catches—once a representative fish species of Gangwon's East Coast—and a dramatic surge in tuna catches.
According to data provided to Gangwon State Assemblyman Kang Jung-ho (Sokcho 2, People Power Party) by the Gangwon State Marine and Fishery Bureau on September 7, squid catches plummeted from 6,232 tons in 2021 to 914 tons in 2024.
Although catches increased to 2,759 tons last year, the figures remain far below past levels.
On the other hand, catches of Pacific bluefin tuna, which stood at a mere 39 tons in 2021, reached 438 tons in the first half of this year alone, hitting the fishing quota limit.
Assemblyman Kang stated, "It has become nearly impossible for fishermen to keep pace with the shifting speed of fish resources in the East Coast driven by marine climate change."
Mentioning that the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is pursuing an "aquaculture species conversion project" and considering the introduction of a "broad-area license transfer system" in response to fishing ground changes, he urged, "The provincial government must also devise support policies for squid fishing vessels, secure quotas to cope with the soaring tuna catches, and expand refrigerated warehouses."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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