Fishery Sector Suffers Mounting Damage from Heatwave, with 450,000 Farmed Fish Dead and 1.05 Billion Won in Losses

Damage to the fishery sector is escalating as rising water temperatures driven by extreme heatwaves lead to a series of farmed fish deaths.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, as of today (August 6), the nationwide scale of farmed fish fatalities caused by high water temperatures has increased to 450,000 this year.

The total damage is estimated at 1.05 billion won.

The damage has been heavily concentrated in recent times as the heatwave intensifies.

Currently, high water temperature warnings are in effect for 17 sea areas, while high water temperature advisories have been issued for 10 areas.

A high water temperature warning is issued when water temperatures reach or exceed 28°C (82°F) for three consecutive days or more, and an advisory is issued when water temperatures reach 28°C (82°F).

Following his visit to fish farms on July 30 to inspect high water temperature damage sites, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo held an emergency response headquarters inspection meeting on August 5 with local governments and other related organizations.

During the meeting, Minister Hwang called for the full operation of high-temperature response equipment such as liquid oxygen supply systems and shading nets, early shipment linked to consumption promotion events for vulnerable species, proactive implementation of emergency releases, and prevention of heat-related illnesses and safety management for fish farmers amid the heatwave.

(Photo provided by Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.