NIFS announced that it set out demonstration test for the industrialization of small yellow croaker(YC) aquaculture, where NIFS produces 500,000 small YC juveniles and distributes them to the land-based aquafarms in Jeju Island to demonstrate the whole process from seed production, through rearing, to distribution. 

On July 15, the Subtropical Fisheries Research Institute of NIFS distributed approximately 400,000 juveniles (around 10cm in total length) to the two entities of Jeju inland aquafarms for rearing tests. The institute is also going to distribute approximately 100,000 additional ones this month. 

It also plans to expand the industrialization of small YC aquaculture by stages with the aim of one million seed production and 50 tons shipment by 2026, 100 tons by 2027. 

To develop alternative species against climate challenge such as high water temperature and to address the productivity reduction in flounder farms due to the recessive gene and mass mortality occurrence, the institute has conducted fundamental research on the industrialization for the improved marketability of farmed small YC such as: spawning period control for larger size; production of a high proportion of female YC with fast growth and high acceptability; and development of technology with natural additives to enhance the coloration and health of farmed YC. 

Based on the research, this year embarked on verifying study in earnest such as the △deepening of key technology research, △field-centered research on industrialization, △research on promoting seafood consumption, etc. 

The president of NIFS Choi Yong Seok said, “The demonstration test will serve as a foundation for the introduction of new high value-added varieties to Jeju aquaculture industry which suffers issues like productivity reduction. Going forward, NIFS will actively work with private sectors through research cooperation so that Jeju is well entrenched as a hub for small yellow croaker aquaculture.”