NIFS said egg-larvae surveys conducted between 2018 and 2025 showed a steady increse in the number of fish species spawning in the waters around Dokdo and Ulleungdo.

Over the eight-year survey period, NIFS had sampled and analyzed the eggs and larvae of a total of 143 species. In 2018, three new species were found around the coast of Dokdo, jumping to 32 species in 2024, and 14  additional species were identified in 2025. 

In 2021, the eggs and larvae of Pacific Bluefin Tuna –a warm water species- were found for the first time. Notably, the eggs and larvae from fish species primarily inhabiting the waters off Jeju, such as largehead hairtail, red tilefish, and red spotted grouper, were also identified for the first time in surveys conducted during the past two years. 

The surveys suggest that the waters around Dokdo have the potential to serve as spawning and initial growth grounds for some fish species, rather than merely functioning as migration routes. Therefore, NIFS will closely evaluate the role of these waters as spawning and nursery grounds by monitoring the timing and frequency of appearance of these fish species.

“The increase in the number of fish species whose eggs and larvae have newly been found in the waters of Dokdo is an important indicator of changes in fisheries resources along the East Coast,” adding, “NIFS will continue to conduct scientific research and surveys to systematically manage fisheries resources in the East Sea, including the waters adjacent to Dokdo,” said Kwon Soon-wook, president of NIFS.