The National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS; President Kwon Soon-wook) announced that NIFS and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Ocean & Fisheries Science Institute jointly held the ‘2026 Jeonnam on-site presentations for aquaculture farmers on high water temperatures (HWTs) and harmful algal blooms (HABs)’, major causes of summer fisheries disasters. 

As water temperatures this summer are projected to remain above historical averages, farm-specific preventive measures and on-site response is becoming more important. To this end, the West Sea Fisheries Research Institute of NIFS conducted customized training sessions for fishermen aimed at strengthening on-site technical support during periods of high water temperatures and improving the fisheries disaster response system.

Starting with Goheung on July 1, the presentations were subsequently held in Yeosu on July 7 and in Wando on July 14, attended by around 400 aquaculture farmers in South Jeolla Province. The presentations covered △ Projection of 2026 HWTs and HABs, △ Aquaculture farm damage prevention and response guidelines, △ How to use the dedicated mobile application for real-time water temperature data, etc. 

To help farmers use the app more easily, in particular, step-by-step instructions were provided directly to the fishermen who are less familiar with smart phones and other digital devices.

Kwon Soon-wook, the president of NIFS said, “High water temperature and harmful algal bloom are major fisheries disasters that can take a heavy toll on aquaculture industry. Therefore, through advance preparation is essential” The president added, “NIFS, in conjunction with local governments, will enhance its support for fishermen through the timely provision of forecasting data along with field-oriented technical support, so that they can effectively prepare for the disasters.”