Gangwon Province to Release 150,000 Sea Cucumbers Free of Charge into East Coast Village Waters

A Total of 4.9 Million Released from 2011 to 2025
Expectations for Increased Fishers' Income and Restoration of Marine Resources

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced plans to release 150,000 sea cucumbers free of charge into the coastal waters of three East Coast towns-Naemulchi in Sokcho, Chodo in Goseong, and Gwangjin in Yangyang-from November 18 to 21.

A view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government

The province has released a cumulative total of 4.9 million sea cucumbers from 2011 to 2025.

Sea cucumbers play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and purifying seabed sediments. Recently, they have gained popularity as a high-income species among fishers.

The sea cucumbers being released this time are high-quality juveniles weighing over 1 gram, produced in-house by securing excellent broodstock from East Coast waters and going through the processes of egg collection, fertilization, and cultivation. After release, they are expected to grow to marketable size in about two to three years, contributing to a tangible increase in fishers' income.

Lee Donghee, Director of the Ocean and Fisheries Bureau of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "To expand high-income fishery resources in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, we will not only secure high-value seed production technology but also continue the production and release of seeds. We will do our utmost to increase fishers' income and restore marine resources along the East Coast."

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