Gangwon-do Releases 300,000 Artificial Seeds of Native Freshwater Fish 'Daenonggaengi'

Published 23 Aug.2021 11:19(KST)

9.1 Scheduled River Discharges in 6 Cities and Counties of Gangwon

Freshwater fish Daenonggaengi of the family Cobitidae, order Siluriformes [Provided by Gangwon Province]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gangwon Province will release 300,000 fingerlings (5~7cm size) of the catfish species Daenonggaengi, a freshwater fish of the order Siluriformes, into suitable habitats within the province's cities and counties.

According to the province on the 23rd, the Inland Water Resources Center will release 50,000 Daenonggaengi fry (over 5cm) into Iri Stream in Hoengseong County starting today until September 1. Subsequently, 50,000 fingerlings will be sequentially released in Hongcheon County (8.24), Cheorwon County (8.25), Yeongwol County (8.26), Pyeongchang County (8.27), and Wonju City (9.1).

This release is a measure to augment the declining population of Daenonggaengi and to protect the inland water ecosystem. The province expects that 2 to 3 years after release, the fish will grow to about 30cm in size, contributing to resource recovery and becoming a source of income for inland water fishery households.

Daenonggaengi is a major species in Gangwon Province's inland waters, known for its good taste and mild flavor, making it popular for spicy fish stew. Recently, rapid climate change and the spread of invasive species have caused a decline in its population, making resource protection urgent.

Kim Young-gap, head of the Inland Water Resources Center, said, "We will do our best to protect the inland water ecosystem and conserve species through mass production and release of Daenonggaengi, a main income species for inland fishers, as well as research for resource recovery of native Korean freshwater fish species, which have not yet been technologically developed."