"8.1 Billion Won in Damages, But Compensation Is Minimal"... South Jeolla Fishers in Tears

Kim Hoesik Calls for Compensation for Low Water Temperature Damage and Reform of Abalone Aquaculture Industry

Kim Hoesik, a member of the South Jeolla Provincial Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Jangseong 2), called for practical compensation for fishers affected by low water temperatures and fundamental structural reform of the abalone aquaculture industry during a recent report on the operations of the Institute of Marine and Fisheries Science at the 392nd temporary session.

According to the South Jeolla Provincial Council on July 24, Councilor Kim pointed out problems in the current compensation system, stating that 89 fish farms in the Yeosu and Goheung areas suffered enormous damage amounting to approximately 8.144 billion won due to low water temperatures between February and March of this year.

Kim Hoesik, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member.

He emphasized, "Although the compensation method has shifted from a recovery-focused approach to cash payments, fishers are still complaining that the compensation criteria are insufficient compared to the actual scale of the damage." He added, "Thorough prevention and investigation of the causes, as well as meticulous assessment of damages, are essential to ensure practical compensation."

In particular, Councilor Kim sharply criticized the structural limitations of the abalone aquaculture industry in South Jeolla. He raised concerns that, while abalone overproduction continues to drive down prices, the survival rate of the new substitute species, the pen shell, remains at only 13%.

Kim stated, "Can a substitute species with such a low survival rate really be a practical alternative for fishers?" He pointed out, "While developing alternative species is important, fundamental problems cannot be resolved unless structural adjustments, such as reducing the number of aquaculture farms, are also implemented." He further urged, "Administrative and research institutions must work together to develop effective policies."

In response, Kim Chungnam, head of the Institute of Marine and Fisheries Science, answered, "We are currently discussing a project to reduce the number of abalone farms, focusing on Wando County." He added, "Through experimental research on alternative species such as pen shell, Babylonia areolata, sea urchin, and crayfish, we are seeking to diversify the income sources of fishers."

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