[Feature] Production Plunges from 5,000 Tons to 11 Tons... Jeonnam Cockle Industry Faces 'Collapse Warning'

Assemblymen Yongmin Lim and Youngjin Kim Urge Action
Production of True Cockles Virtually Collapses After 15 Years
Repeated Mass Die-Offs Shake Industry Foundations

In Jeonnam, the country's largest cockle-producing region, the production volume of true cockles has virtually "collapsed to catastrophic levels." Even ark cockles are suffering from recurrent mass die-offs, raising serious doubts about the sustainability of this signature local fishery industry. The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council has judged this decline in cockle resources not as a temporary matter but as a crisis affecting the entire industry. The council has thus called for fundamental measures, including the development of high-quality seed stock, improvement of aquaculture environments, and identification of the causes of mortality.

During the meeting of the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock and Fisheries Committee of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council held on July 21, Assemblyman Youngjin Kim (Democratic Party, Suncheon 8) and Assemblyman Yongmin Lim (Democratic Party, Boseong 1) focused their inquiries on the decreased production of cockles and the problem of repeated mass deaths.

Yongmin Lim, Member of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council.

National statistics data clearly illustrate the gravity of the crisis facing the region's cockle industry.

According to data from the national statistical portal (KOSIS), obtained through the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council, the nationwide production of true cockles plummeted from 5,114 tons in 2010 to 1,152 tons in 2015, and then further fell to a provisional figure of only 11 tons last year. The production value also collapsed from KRW 25.48 billion during that period to KRW 290 million last year, indicating that the industrial base has virtually been dismantled.

In particular, Jeonnam produced 3,784 tons of true cockles in 2010, accounting for 74% of nationwide production at the time. Last year, however, production in this province was only 11 tons. With nationwide true cockle production itself having plummeted, Jeonnam's share rose to 100%, but this is not due to increased output in the region—it reflects the fact that production in other regions has essentially disappeared.

While the nationwide supply of ark cockles is still being maintained, Jeonnam has an overwhelmingly dominant share. Based on provisional figures for this year, the total national production of ark cockles is 8,496 tons, of which Jeonnam accounts for 8,026 tons, or 94%. Of the nationwide production value of KRW 25.02 billion, Jeonnam alone made up KRW 23.25 billion, or 93%, highlighting that Jeonnam virtually sustains the entire domestic ark cockle industry.

Youngjin Kim, Member of Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan Council.

The problem is that, in recent years, recurrent mass die-offs of ark cockles have shaken the foundations of this sector. In Deukyangman Bay and Yeojaman Bay, mass mortality events caused by high water temperatures, abnormal weather conditions, and changes in tidal flat environments have resulted in severe losses for aquaculture farmers. Industry stakeholders see securing stable spat collection, reliable seed stock, and improved survival rates as the sector's most urgent challenges.

Assemblyman Youngjin Kim emphasized, "We must not attribute the death of ark cockles solely to high water temperatures; it is essential to investigate a variety of factors, such as changes in the tidal flat environment as well." He added, "Research findings must be applicable in the field for maximum impact."

Assemblyman Yongmin Lim stressed the need for more fundamental solutions to restore cockle resources.

He said, "Due to climate change and excessive harvesting, cockle resources have sharply declined," and urged, "We need to focus research capabilities on developing high-quality seed stock that can survive even in the changed marine environment."

He continued, "Missing the optimal window for spat collection can determine the entire year's production, so research on larval emergence timing must be expanded and information provided quickly." He added, "Mortality causes should be analyzed comprehensively, including not only high water temperatures but also deteriorating sediment quality and aging aquaculture sites."

He further suggested that the effectiveness of the clean fishery restoration project should be thoroughly evaluated and, if necessary, that securing additional central government funding and expanding the project should also be considered.

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