NIFS announced that it works on developing technology for the transition of wild bluefin tuna to aquaculture. To that end, NIFS embarks on the development of aquaculture conversion technology built on a public-private partnership with East Coast set-net fishers.  

Total catch of Pacific bluefin tuna (PBF) along the coast of the East Sea* has been increasing in recent years, but the lack of infrastructure for commercialization and a set quota for the tuna drive them into fetching at a low price or being discarded frequently. Against this backdrop, there has been a demand for high value-added Pacific bluefin tuna through switching to aquaculture coupled with the improvement of infrastructure for distribution and treatment of the tuna.

*Catch volume of East Sea set net fishery (tons): (’21) 79.2 → (’22) 221.4 → (’23) 215.3 → (’24) 306.8 

At a time like this, to promote efficient utilization of PBF resources, NIFS will develop aquaculture conversion technology for five years by 2030 starting this year that puts alive wild PBF caught in East Sea set nets into a cage for stocking. 

By doing so, NIFS aims to strengthen field-based verifying study and enhance the effectiveness of R&D on the whole process from capturing through transferring to stocking and rearing. 

NIFS president Kwon Soon-wook said, “By forging a  close partnership between public and private sector this time, we will be able to establish the foundation for the development of aquaculture conversion technology for wild Pacific bluefin tuna and its field applicability. Going forward, NIFS will continuously contribute to creating high value-added PBF and strengthening the foundation for fishermen’s income.”