Shin Woo-cheol, Wando County Governor, Visits Aquaculture Farms Facing Production Decline Challenges

Wando County Governor Shin Woo-cheol visited the Maesaengi farm in Gogeum-myeon. (Photo by Wando County)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 23rd that Wando-gun Governor Shin Woo-cheol visited the Maesaengi farms in Gogeum-myeon, which have recently been struggling due to decreased production, on the 22nd to encourage the fishermen and listen to their difficulties and suggestions.

Gogeum-myeon produces 60% of the nation's Maesaengi and has established itself as the main source of income for local fishermen.

Maesaengi grows only in clean areas, making it a pollution-free food and a winter delicacy. However, due to climate change, water temperatures have risen by 1 to 2˚C compared to last year, resulting in poor production and damage caused by harmful algae blooms.

Accordingly, to identify the causes of the production decline and prepare countermeasures, the governor toured the Maesaengi farms and met with fishermen.

The president of the Gogeum-myeon Maesaengi Producers Association said, “Production is only about 50% compared to the previous year, so fishermen are facing difficulties,” and added, “We ask for the county’s continuous interest and support.”

Governor Shin Woo-cheol of Wando-gun said, “Due to recent climate change, the production of seaweed such as gim, miyeok, dashima, and Maesaengi has generally been poor,” and added, “We will work with research institutions to secure artificial seedling technology for Maesaengi so that the timing of Maesaengi facilities can be adjusted according to water temperature changes.”

Wando-gun has promoted a facility reduction campaign together with Gangjin and Jangheung counties to stabilize Maesaengi production and prices, reducing facility volume by more than 30% compared to the previous year. Additionally, projects such as Maesaengi washers and vacuum packaging machines are being implemented to improve Maesaengi quality.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.