Squid Crisis: East Coast Fisheries on the Brink
Calling all environmental enthusiasts and experts in their 20s to 40s! The East Coast is facing a crisis – the disappearance of squid. A decade ago, we saw over 150,000 tons; today, it's a mere 20,000 tons, and the situation is dire.
Reporter Sohm Wook went to Sokcho Port in Gangwon Province, once bustling with squid fishing boats. Now, it's a ghost town as boats remain docked, their nets gathering dust. Imported squid from the South Atlantic have taken over, signaling a deep-seated issue.
The blame game points to rising water temperatures and the relentless scavenging by Chinese fishing boats. Last month's squid production plummeted to 40% of the previous year, and prices have soared – over 20,000 won per kilogram.
Fishermen are sounding the alarm, urging a fundamental overhaul of the fishing industry. Overfishing in North Korean waters and climate changes are pushing squid further north. The call for a large-scale disaster-level special reduction is gaining traction among the fishing community.
Yet, challenges persist. Monthly fixed costs for vessels are skyrocketing, and the call for reduction is met with negotiation difficulties and budget constraints. The future of East Coast fisheries hangs in the balance.
Join us in unraveling the plight of squid, the impact on local economies, and the urgent need for sustainable fishing practices. It's not just a marine crisis; it's an environmental call to action.
#SquidCrisis, #EastCoastFishing, #EnvironmentalConcerns, #Overfishing, #SustainableFishing
