The national institute of fisheries science (NIFS) and the national marine biodiversity institute of Korea (MABIK) disclosed the results of grading assignment to 281 species of marine and fisheries bio-resources based on each utilization value. 

The results classify 109 species into Grade 1, 168 species into Grade 2, and 4 species into Grade 3. Particularly, Grade 1 resources (higher industrial value), including fine spotted flounder (Pleuronichthys cornutus), fleshy prawn (Penaeus chinensis), pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai), etc., would bolster the marine and fisheries bio-industry. Of Grade 1 and 2 resources, some would be designated as the resources subject to export approval for the protection of domestic industry. 

Marine and Fisheries Bio-Resources Rating System is designed to classify marine biological resources in Korea into three grades (Grades 1 to 3) at the national level for efficient resource collection and management as well as industrial applications.

This time centered on industrial applicability that comprehensively takes account of resource security, economic value, and sustainability going beyond the existing assessment focusing on economic, academic, and ecological value. 

The grading results are provided on the websites of The Sea of Research (https://www.nifs.go.kr/frcenter) and Marine Bio-Resource Information System (https://www.mbris.kr) for everyone. 

Director General Lee Jeong-yong of Aquaculture Research Department said, “Marine and Fisheries Bio-Resources Rating System plays a pivotal role in linking resource management to industrial utilization at the national level. Moving forward, NIFS will keep providing useful information to research institutes and industries by solidifying the rating system, so that we can contribute to strengthening competitiveness in the marine-bio industry.”