Chungnam Takes a Step Closer to Large-Scale and Complete Farming of New Ark Shells

Image of New Ark Shell. Source=Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy (Naepo) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Chungnam Provincial Fisheries Resources Research Institute has succeeded in the early production of spat for mass and complete aquaculture of Saejo-gae (New Clam).

According to the Provincial Fisheries Resources Research Institute on the 4th, Saejo-gae is a type of clam named for its resemblance to the beak of a bird (Sae), and it is recognized as a representative delicacy of the West Coast. However, recently, its production volume has sharply decreased, causing prices to surge every year.

In response, the Provincial Fisheries Resources Research Institute began developing artificial hatching technology using Saejo-gae broodstock in 2016 and secured artificial spawning technology that year.

In 2017, they established larval management technology and a system for culturing feed organisms, followed by the development of Saejo-gae spat rearing and management technology in 2018. Last year, they induced mass artificial spawning and produced juvenile Saejo-gae for the first time, securing technology for mass artificial hatching of Saejo-gae.

Based on these achievements, the Provincial Fisheries Resources Research Institute was selected for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' research and training fishery project titled "Development of Aquaculture Technology for Mass Production of Saejo-gae in Cheonsuman."

In particular, the institute recently succeeded in a pilot study that shortened the Saejo-gae production period from 5 months to 3 months, bringing them one step closer to mass and complete aquaculture of Saejo-gae.

According to the institute, the pilot study results allow for timing adjustments such as advancing or delaying the juvenile Saejo-gae production period, enabling early hatching and growth before release, which increases survival rates during high-temperature periods.

The Provincial Fisheries Resources Research Institute plans to conduct further pilot studies to refine technology that can artificially control the timing of Saejo-gae spat production, aiming to produce juvenile Saejo-gae at any desired time.

Meanwhile, Saejo-gae production in the province peaked at 1,156 tons in 2003 but has been declining continuously since the following year, with production dropping so sharply after 2012 that official statistics are unavailable. According to an unofficial survey conducted by Hongseong County in 2017, local Saejo-gae production was only around 100 tons.

The sharp decline in Saejo-gae production is attributed to factors such as the decrease in broodstock resources, rising water temperatures due to climate change, and environmental degradation caused by aging fishing grounds. As a result, the consumer price per kilogram of Saejo-gae rose from 50,000 won in 2017 to 75,000 won this year, and even then, it remains difficult to obtain Saejo-gae due to reduced production.

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