From Scrapping Fishing Vessels to Smart Aquaculture... Government Launches Major Overhaul of Fisheries Industry

Targeting 4 Million Tons of Production and $4.2 Billion in Exports by 2030
Restructuring Fishing Villages and Expanding Youth Participation in the Industry

The government has unveiled a comprehensive mid- to long-term reform roadmap to fundamentally transform the fisheries industry, which is currently facing the triple challenges of climate change, labor shortages, and protectionism.

On January 29, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced the 'Third Basic Plan for Fisheries and Fishing Village Development,' which sets out key targets for 2030: 4 million tons of seafood production, 80 million won in fishing household income, and $4.2 billion in exports.

This plan focuses on fundamentally improving the structure of the fisheries industry, which is struggling with weakened production capacity and labor shortages due to both internal and external changes such as climate change, demographic shifts, and increased protectionism. It also aims to turn the proliferation of smart and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into new growth opportunities. The Ministry has presented the vision of "Sustainable Oceans, Self-Reliant Fisheries, and Thriving Fishing Villages."

The government has set five major goals, including achieving 4 million tons in seafood production, 80 million won in fishing household income, and $4.2 billion in seafood exports by 2030. To support these goals, it will implement ten core strategies. Through this, the government aims to restructure the entire production, distribution, and export system, while simultaneously improving the living conditions in fishing villages.

In the field of fishing vessel operations, the government will introduce the concept of "essential fishing fleets" to focus on scrapping low-productivity vessels. It also plans to gradually expand the application of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) management system to enhance the transparency and predictability of resource management. In aquaculture, the government will move away from a coastal-centered structure by expanding aquaculture sites to offshore and East Sea areas, and will respond to climate risks by promoting land-based smart aquaculture focused on high value-added species.

The government will also overhaul seafood production statistics and distribution structures. By integrating auction house codes and utilizing AI-based data analysis, it will improve statistical accuracy. In addition, it plans to reduce distribution costs and strengthen price control capabilities by expanding regional distribution centers in production areas and logistics centers in consumption areas, as well as increasing online auctions.

In the export sector, the government will enhance the quality competitiveness of key products such as oysters, seaweed, and tuna, and diversify markets to Europe, the Middle East, and South America through support for halal and eco-friendly certifications and marketing linked to the Korean Wave. To address non-tariff barriers, the government will also establish a "full-cycle seafood product traceability system" that manages every stage from raw material production to export.

To revitalize fishing villages, the government will lower entry barriers for young people returning to fishing and rural communities, and expand the living infrastructure, including housing, care, and medical services. The government also plans to attract private investment by establishing key fishing ports centered on national harbors and introducing special fishing village development zones.

Choi Hyunho, Director General for Fisheries Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "Fisheries and fishing villages are not the end of Korea's territory, but the starting point for balanced regional growth," adding, "Through this basic plan, we will create a self-reliant fisheries industry and vibrant fishing villages that are resilient to external environmental changes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.