Busan is good

Busan Metropolitan City Pushes to Restore Fisheries Resources Through Sequential Release of Black Porgy, from Fertilized Eggs to Juvenile Fish

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The Busan Fisheries Resources Research Institute (hereinafter referred to as the “Institute”) announced that it released approximately 18 million black porgy fertilized eggs, the unit used for measuring fertilized fish eggs, into waters around Noksan and Nolcha in Gangseo-gu, Busan, from April 7 to 16.

For the release, the Institute used high-quality fertilized eggs secured from superior broodstock with strictly managed genetic diversity through cooperation with the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA, hereinafter referred to as the “Agency”).

◯ In June 2021, Busan Metropolitan City signed the “Genetic Management Cooperation Agreement” with the Agency and has since 2022 promoted mutual cooperation in securing black porgy broodstock from both wild and farmed sources, analyzing genetic diversity information, and implementing appropriate breeding management.

◯ The two organizations have continued efforts to prevent deterioration of the coastal ecosystem’s genetic health caused by the release of fisheries seed stock produced through inbreeding from a limited number of broodstock.

The Institute plans not only to conclude with the release of fertilized eggs, but also to additionally release approximately 300,000 healthy juvenile fish into coastal waters throughout Busan beginning in mid-May.

◯ The juvenile black porgy to be released this time were carefully raised over approximately 70 days from fertilized eggs whose genetic diversity was verified through individual history management using RFID chip insertion. They were produced through the Institute’s systematic maturation management system, including water temperature, illumination, photoperiod, and feed control, and have grown into large juvenile fish measuring approximately 5 centimeters.

◯ In particular, this additional release will go beyond a simple project and be conducted as a “public-private joint release event” involving fishers, recreational anglers, and related organizations. By directly participating in resource enhancement efforts, stakeholders in the local fisheries economy are expected to share the importance of protecting fisheries resources and create a collaborative platform for building a more abundant future for Busan’s coastal waters.

Black porgy is a key species for recreational fishing in the Busan area, ranking among the top three species in fishing catches in Busan from 2023 to 2025 according to the Korean Statistical Information Service. The sequential release project is expected to make a significant contribution to increasing fishers’ income and revitalizing Busan’s specialized recreational fishing tourism industry.

Meanwhile, the fertilized egg release and the subsequent juvenile fish release project are expected to generate an economic ripple effect amounting to five times the investment cost.

◯ Based on private market prices of 3 won per fertilized egg and an average of 400 won per 5-centimeter juvenile fish, the release of fisheries seed stock worth approximately 170 million won is projected to create an estimated future value of around 930 million won. The project is therefore regarded as a low-cost, high-efficiency resource enhancement model with benefits approximately five times greater than the investment cost.

Kim Jun-tae, Director of the Busan Fisheries Resources Research Institute, stated, “Following the release of high-quality fertilized eggs secured from superior genetic stock, we will maximize resource restoration effects by additionally releasing 300,000 healthy juvenile fish measuring approximately 5 centimeters.” He added, “Through continuous monitoring and systematic project implementation, we will establish a healthy marine ecosystem and invigorate the regional economy.”