South Sea aquaculture faces heavy losses from high temperatures and red tide

Aquaculture industries in the South Sea of South Korea, particularly in Gyeongsangnam-do, are facing severe losses due to a combination of high water temperatures and red tide advisories. As of August 27, the cumulative death toll of farmed fish has exceeded 3 million, with 570 lines of sea squirts also lost. The estimated financial damage has reached approximately 6.14 billion won.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science has upgraded the red tide crisis level to ‘caution’ and issued advisories for waters spanning from Dumido in Tongyeong to Jisimdo in Geoje. High water temperatures have already weakened many aquatic species, and experts warn that the influx of nutrients from potential rainfall could further expand red tide areas.

Local authorities in Tongyeong and Gyeongsangnam-do have activated emergency response systems. Efforts include deploying prevention vessels to spray red clay, using drones for monitoring, and conducting intensive inspections of densely populated aquaculture zones to minimize further economic impact.