The Inland Fisheries Research Institute of NIFS said that it released 2,000 Black Shinners and 3,000 Korea Spotted Barbels, both of which are the endangered species* in Korea, in the upper stream of Geumgang River of Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do.

*In Korea, a total of 282 species are designated as the endnagered wildlife, of which 29 species are fish (11 Class I Endangered Wildlife and 18 Class II Endangered Wildlife). 

Korea Spotted Barbel (a Natural Monument No. 259, Class II) and Black Shinner (Class I) are the fish species endemic to South Korea, but their population decreased rapidly due to habitat destruction, so that it was not until their extinction that they were designated as the endangered species in some regions. 

For the restoration of the two fish species, the Inland Fisheries Research Institute of NIFS has been conducting projects for the restoration such as broodstock fish rearing, mass production of artificially fertilized eggs, artificial seed release, etc.

Consequently, in 20 years of its research for the restoration, the Institute could find the stable settlement of spawning tower and fry populations of Korea Spotted Barbel in 2023, making an official announcement of its complete success. In addition, this year could confirm the habitats for the species had expanded. 

In parallel with the release event, ecological education programs on endangered species restoration and ecosystem preservation were desigend for the local people including elementary students, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with the local communities driven by ESG. 

The president Choi, Yong-seok said, “Going forward, NIFS will keep doing its best to protect the freshwater ecosystem and inland fisheries resources while actively practicing proactive public administration for raising the level of integrity.”