South Korea raises high‑temperature disaster alert to ‘Severe I’ for coastal fisheries

On June 30 the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries elevated the high‑temperature disaster warning to the highest “Severe I” level for the nation’s coastal waters. The National Institute of Fisheries Science issued a high‑temperature warning for six sea areas – including Hamyeong Bay in Gwangju and five other locations in the West and South Seas – and a precautionary advisory for 16 additional zones.

The upgrade expands the existing emergency response team into a minister‑led emergency headquarters. The ministry and local governments are urging fish‑farm operators to carry out early harvests, conduct emergency water discharges, suspend feed supplies, adjust stocking density, and deploy oxygen‑supply equipment. Real‑time temperature data from the institute will be used for proactive measures. Minister Hwang Jong‑woo said, “We will mobilise every possible means before damage occurs, and fishers should follow the temperature information, reduce feed, and take precautions against heat‑related illnesses.”