70% of Low Water Temperature Damage to Farmed Aquatic Products Occurs in Jeonnam

Offshore Wintering Facilities for Damage Prevention Rendered Ineffective
Fishermen Face Unrealistic 70km Relocation Distance
Moon Geumju: "Revision of the Enforcement Decree of the Natural Parks Act Is Necessary"

Moon Geumju, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Despite the recurring low water temperature damage caused by abnormal weather every year, which has severely impacted fisheries in the Jeonnam region, there are criticisms that the core measure for prevention, the 'offshore wintering facility,' has become ineffective. As regulations related to national parks have hindered its proper function, anxiety among fishermen is growing.

According to audit materials submitted by Moon Geumju, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Goheung, Boseong, Jangheung, and Gangjin in Jeonnam, to the Jeonnam provincial government on October 15, more than 70% of low water temperature damage to farmed aquatic products in 2024-2025 was concentrated among fisheries in Jeonnam. Over the past four years, 4.21 million fish have died in Jeonnam alone, resulting in property damage amounting to 13 billion won.

The government, based on the Aquaculture Industry Development Act, has temporarily designated and operated 'offshore wintering zones' where farmed aquatic products can be safely relocated during the winter. Currently, only one such zone has been designated in the Yeosu sea area in Jeonnam, but questions about its effectiveness persist.

This is because the designated wintering facility is located more than 70 kilometers from actual aquaculture sites, making it virtually impossible for fishermen to use due to the risk of fish dying during transport and the burden of transportation costs. In fact, there has not been a single instance of use since its designation.

The root cause lies in the Enforcement Decree of the Natural Parks Act. Since the waters off Yeosu are designated as a marine national park, it is impossible to install wintering facilities within the park resource environment zone, forcing the designation of wintering facilities in areas where actual fishing activities are difficult. As a result, a system intended to protect fishermen has become ineffective due to conflicting regulations, creating a contradictory situation.

Moon Geumju stated, "There are restrictions on systems intended to minimize damage to fishermen from low water temperatures," and pointed out, "In this era of climate crisis, the Natural Parks Act should not become a barrier to fishermen's survival."

He further emphasized, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries must work with the Ministry of Climate and Environment to revise the Enforcement Decree of the Natural Parks Act so that wintering facilities can be designated," and added, "It is urgent to develop a plan for sustainable development that harmonizes the survival of fishermen with the marine environment."

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