In an effort to bolster the future of the fisheries industry, the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, led by Minister Kang Do-hyung, has been steadfastly introducing various supportive policies. A pivotal aspect of this initiative is the incorporation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across the fisheries sector, including fishing, aquafarming, and seafood production.
A notable achievement is the development of a platform using AI for the design of efficient and safer fishing vessels, thereby easing the burden on fishermen and shipyards while catalyzing transformation in vessel design. In aquaculture, since 2019, a focus on establishing ‘smart aquaculture clusters’ has been evident, with state-of-the-art Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) laying the groundwork for optimal farming conditions. These clusters are being set up in key regions across the country, including places like Busan, which saw its cluster completed in March, and Gangwon, which is nearing completion by the end of the year.
The Ministry is also proactively revising regulations in the fishing sector and has expanded the inspection criteria for fishing vessel engines to include all coastal ships under 10 tons. In parallel, a commitment has been made to halve the roughly 1,500 regulations by 2027 and to comprehensively apply Total Allowable Catch (TAC) to all vessels.
In bolstering the seafood industry, efforts are underway to create specialized seafood export zones in Mokpo and Busan West, which will be centers of seafood processing, export facilitation, and research and development. To ensure that the freshness of seafood exports is preserved, there is an increased focus on acquiring overseas distribution networks, establishing joint logistics centers both domestically and internationally, and building a global cold chain infrastructure.
This multi-faceted approach by South Korea is not just enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency of its fisheries sector but also aligns with global fishery management methods, ensuring resource sustainability and combatting illegal fishing with pre-emptive measures like introducing a Korean-style catch certification system.
Current Market Trends:
The global aquaculture market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by rising seafood consumption and a steady demand for fish as a protein source. As wild fish stocks are depleted due to overfishing, aquaculture is becoming an increasingly viable solution for meeting global seafood needs. Smart aquaculture, which employs technologies like AI, IoT, and RAS, represents a cutting-edge segment within the broader aquaculture market. These technologies are gaining traction as they enhance productivity, ensure seafood quality, and are environmentally sustainable.
Forecasts:
Projections indicate that the smart aquaculture market will continue to expand. Given the growing focus on sustainability and the advancement of technology in the sector, there is an expectation of increased investment and innovation in smart aquaculture systems. South Korea’s initiative is in line with these forecasts, predicting a rise in the adoption of technology-enabled solutions in fisheries management and aquaculture practices.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
The key challenges for smart aquaculture include high initial costs and complexities associated with technology implementation. There is also skepticism and resistance to change among traditional fishers and aquafarmers, who may lack the skills or resources to adopt new technologies. Additionally, ensuring data privacy and cyber security in IoT systems is a concern.
Another point of controversy is the environmental impact of aquaculture. While smart aquaculture aims to be sustainable, there are still potential ecological consequences, such as the risk of farmed fish escaping and interbreeding with wild populations, as well as the spread of disease from farmed to wild species.
Advantages:
Smart aquaculture offers a range of benefits:
– Increased operational efficiency through automation and real-time monitoring.
– Improved resource management and reduction in waste, which is crucial for environmental sustainability.
– Enhanced fish health and welfare with optimal farming conditions, leading to higher-quality seafood.
– Greater traceability and accountability in the supply chain, aiding in combatting illegal fishing.
Disadvantages:
The disadvantages of smart aquaculture may include:
– High capital and technology costs which can be a barrier to entry for small-scale fishers.
– Reliance on complex technologies that require specialized skills and expertise.
– Possible technological failures or cyber attacks that can disrupt operations.
Important Questions:
1. How does smart aquaculture contribute to sustainability in South Korea’s fisheries?
2. What is the economic impact of smart aquaculture on the South Korean seafood industry?
3. How does South Korea plan to balance technological advancements with traditional fishing practices?
For further information on the global development of fisheries and aquaculture, you can visit websites such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations at fao.org or the World Aquaculture Society at was.org. Please note that these links lead to the homepages of the respective organizations for general information, and the specific contents within the pages may evolve over time.
The source of the article is from the blog exofeed.nl