"Too Expensive"... Soaring Prices of "National Sashimi" Amid Sweltering Heat

On the 27th of last month, flatfish sashimi and other items were displayed at a large supermarket in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

This summer, as sea temperatures have risen more sharply than in previous years, the aquaculture industry is on high alert. Both the issuance of high-temperature warnings and the actual occurrence of damage have come earlier than last year, making concerns over supply disruptions of flounder and rockfish-known as the "national sashimi"-a reality.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on August 25, this year’s high-temperature crisis warning at the "caution" level was issued on July 3, one week earlier than last year. The higher "alert" level was announced on July 9, fifteen days earlier than last year. Experts analyze that the rapid rise in sea temperatures after the end of the rainy season, which had temporarily lowered water temperatures due to heavy rainfall, is the cause.

Prolonged Heat Wave...Sea Temperatures Continue to Rise

On the 30th of last month, workers are preparing to release fry at a cage aquaculture farm in Gamak Bay, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News

The bigger issue is that the ongoing extreme heat is likely to keep pushing sea temperatures higher. The National Institute of Fisheries Science stated, "The nationwide heat wave that resumed last week is sustaining the upward trend in sea temperatures," and added, "With continued temperature increases expected, we anticipate further expansion of high-temperature advisories and escalation of warning levels."

Abnormal weather phenomena caused by climate change are leading to mass deaths among farmed fish species. According to the National Institute of Fisheries Science, the damage has been concentrated among farmed species such as rockfish and flounder. This year, mass deaths among farmed fish began earlier than last year. According to the daily safety management report from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the first mass mortality of farmed fish this year occurred on July 27, four days earlier than last year.

Sharp Drop in Shipments...Rising Prices for Flounder and Rockfish

The scene of Garakdong Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 13th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

The impact of high sea temperatures was immediately reflected in production volumes and prices. According to fisheries monitoring by the Korea Maritime Institute’s Fisheries Industry Observation Center, last month’s rockfish shipments totaled 1,017 tons, a 17.5% decrease compared to the same month last year and a 21.0% drop from the previous month.

The reduced supply has also led to higher prices. Last month, the farm-gate price of rockfish was 7,000 won per kilogram, which-depending on region and weight-was 9.2% to 55.6% higher than the same month last year. For flounder, last month’s shipment volume was 3,057 tons, a 2.3% decrease from the same month last year due to the heat wave and heavy rainfall. The Korea Maritime Institute forecasts that this month’s flounder shipments will fall by 6% compared to the same month last year.

Emergency Measures Such as Fry Release...Government Offers Subsidies Up to 50 Million Won

On the morning of the 30th of last month, workers are releasing fry at a cage aquaculture farm in Gamak Bay, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News

Aquaculture farmers have launched emergency responses, such as releasing fry (juvenile fish), to minimize losses. Fish farms in Goseong, Tongyeong, Geoje, and Namhae in South Gyeongsang Province released 1.58 million rockfish, filefish, and mullet, while around 1.5 million fish were released in the Taean area of South Chungcheong Province. The government is encouraging and supporting the early release of fry, providing subsidies of up to 50 million won, and expanding the distribution of liquid oxygen supply devices.

In addition to last year’s "Comprehensive Plan for Climate Change Response in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector," the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is preparing new, customized measures by fish species and regions. An official stated, "We are considering not only relocating farms and converting licenses but also expanding land-based aquaculture by introducing smart aquaculture technologies," adding, "The new measures are scheduled to be announced by the end of the year."