Gwangyang City Releases Over 26,000 Juvenile Ssogari, Local Native Fish Species

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Gwangyang City announced on the 21st that it released about 26,000 young Ssogari fish into four rivers and reservoirs with abundant water volume (Baegunje in Bonggang-myeon, Dongcheon in Okryong-myeon, Daejukje in Okgok-myeon, and Ijeongje in Jinsang-myeon) to preserve the freshwater ecosystem.

Due to COVID-19, no separate event was held, and the release was conducted by a small number of personnel including the responsible department and township office staff while adhering to infection prevention rules such as wearing masks.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' Fisheries Seed Management Project guidelines, 15 species are allowed for freshwater release. Since 2004, Gwangyang City has released seven species (Euneo, Dongjagae, Megi, Carp, Crucian carp, and Dongnam Chamge) through its own release projects.

The city selected Ssogari, which has no prior release history, as the release species to maintain the balance of the river ecosystem through the release of various aquatic resources.

The young Ssogari released this time is a representative species of the freshwater Perciformes family, known for its very agile movements and venomous spines on its fins, making it the top predator in Korean rivers.

Due to these characteristics, it is expected to greatly help in eradicating invasive species such as bass and bluegill.

Jang Min-seok, Director of the Steel and Port Division, said, “Until next month, when the freshwater fish release season ends, we plan to additionally release soft-shelled turtles and Dongjagae with support from Jeollanam-do,” adding, “Starting with this year’s Ssogari release, we will do our best to restore freshwater aquatic resources and preserve the freshwater ecosystem.”

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