Gijang County in Busan Releases 60,600 Independently Produced Blue and Red Sea Cucumber Seeds

Coastal Ecosystem Restoration and Increased Income for Fishers Anticipated

Gijang County (Governor Jeong Jongbok) announced that on December 10, at the Gijang County Fisheries Resources Research Center, it released 60,000 blue sea cucumber seeds and 600 red sea cucumber seeds, all produced independently, into fishing grounds across 14 villages in the region.

Busan Gijang County is releasing 60,600 seeds of blue and red sea cucumbers produced independently and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Gijang County

Sea cucumbers are distributed throughout the coastal waters of Korea and play a vital role as decomposers by consuming organic matter on the seabed. They are an important aquatic species that contribute to maintaining coastal ecosystems and improving the marine environment.

Depending on their body color, sea cucumbers are classified as blue, red, or black. Because their habitats and behaviors differ, seed production technology must be managed with detailed attention tailored to each type's characteristics.

The research center conducted artificial fertilization using blue sea cucumber broodstock collected from the Gijang County coast in May. After about six months of cultivation, it succeeded in producing juvenile sea cucumbers that had grown to over 1 gram. In addition, since last year, with a project fund of 20 million won provided by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's Kori Nuclear Power Headquarters, the center has been conducting experimental research on red sea cucumber seed production. This year, it succeeded in securing red sea cucumber broodstock and performing artificial fertilization in the Gijang coastal waters, resulting in the independent production of approximately 600 seeds.

Gijang County expects that this release will not only contribute to the restoration of the coastal ecological environment and the creation of fisheries resources, but also help increase the income of local fishers. Next year, the county plans to further expand its research with the goal of establishing mass cultivation technology for red sea cucumbers.

Governor Jeong Jongbok stated, "Establishing an independent production base for red sea cucumbers following blue sea cucumbers is a highly meaningful achievement. We will continue to strengthen our research capabilities and expand resource release projects to do our utmost for coastal ecosystem preservation and support for fishers."

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