Korean Fisheries Research Articles

『한국수산지』의 해도와 일본 해군의 외방도(外邦圖)

To investigate the relationship between low back pain (LBP) and sagittal spino-pelvic parameters along with the relationship between LBP and back muscle mass in Korean male and female fishery workers. This retrospective study included a total of 146 subjects who underwent Fishermen's health survey conducted between June 2018 and August 2020. LBP was evaluated through visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Sagittal spino-pelvic parameters were measured from whole spine standing X-rays. Back muscle cross-sectional areas were identified through lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging and body composition was analyzed through bioelectrical impedance analysis. The study included 75 males and 71 females, with an average age of 58.33 years for males and 56.45 years for females. Female subjects exhibited higher VAS and ODI scores, larger pelvic tilt (PT) and trunk fat mass and smaller trunk muscle mass compared to males. In female, ODI positively correlated with sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and PT. No significant correlations were found between ODI scores and body composition in either sex. The high ODI group showed greater SVA, PT, and pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis and higher trunk fat/muscle ratio. Psoas muscle mass, total and skeletal muscle mass and trunk muscle mass of that group were smaller than those of low ODI group. Spino-pelvic parameters and back muscle mass were associated with ODI and there were differences between Korean male and female fishery workers.

The purpose of this study is to quantify several heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Me-Hg, and metalloid arsenic) contained in Korean fishery products (seven categories, 1186 samples) and assess their health risk. Heavy metals quantification was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and a direct mercury analysis (DMA). The good linearity (R2 > 0.999), limits of detection (1.0-3.2 µg/kg), limits of quantification (3.1-9.6 µg/kg), accuracy (88.14-113.80%), and precision (0.07-6.02%) of the five heavy metals were obtained, and these results meet the criteria recommended by the AOAC. The average heavy metal concentrations of fishery products were in the following order: As > Cd > Pb > Hg > Me-Hg for sea algae, crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms, As > Hg > Me-Hg > Pb > Cd for freshwater fish and marine fish, and As > Pb > Cd > Hg > Me-Hg for tunicates. Heavy metal concentrations were lower than MFDS, EU, CODEX, and CFDA standards. In addition, the exposure, non-carcinogenic, and carcinogenic evaluation results, considering the intake of aquatic products for Koreans, were very low. It was concluded that this study will provide basic data for food safety and risk assessment.

Vulnerability assessment of Korean fisheries to climate change

We investigated the changes of main climate factors and their relationships with the catches of offshore fisheries of the Republic of Korea over the past 30 years (1981 to 2010), using a trend analysis and Pearson’s correlation analysis. This study focused on seven fish species that have been preferred in Korean cuisine for centuries. Not only the air temperature, but also the sea surface temperature (SST) on the coast of Korea has risen (p < 0.05) in the period. The rise in SST over 30 years is significantly correlated with the rise in temperature (p < 0.01), but not with precipitation. Over the past 30 years, catches of anchovies and squid have increased significantly, while Alaska/walleye pollock has become almost extinct (p < 0.01). The analysis of this study indicates that cold water fish species have decreased or disappeared in Korean fisheries and have been replaced by warm water fish species. Our findings suggest that the fish species caught in Korean offshore fisheries have changed due to climate change, especially global warming. These results also suggest that there may be a threat to the food security of Koreans, so it is necessary to take measures to protect this food resource.

The impact of international trade policies on the fisheries sector is increasingly significant. However, there has been insufficient development of models to analyze the influence of external shocks on the fisheries industry. This study sets itself apart from existing research by creating a Harmonized System (HS) product-based general equilibrium model for fisheries trade that reflects the unique attributes of the South Korean fisheries sector. The study also conducts trade policy scenario analyses, taking into account the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) membership and the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) system.The results of the analysis demonstrate that when employing a product-differentiated model, the export value of individual products experiences a more substantial increase in comparison to the industry-level model. This finding indicates that the model incorporates the trade-enhancing effects stemming from the direct and indirect effects of each product. With regard to the consequences of implementing the TAC system, a decrease in domestic catch volume and an increase in fishery product prices are observed, implying that the introduction of the TAC system may potentially impact the domestic fishing production foundation.In comparison with other developed nations, the establishment and application of specialized trade policy models for the fisheries sector have not been adequately executed. The findings of this study may serve as a valuable instrument for quantitatively evaluating the ramifications of distinct fisheries trade policies.

Studies on the risk of mercury (Hg) in Korean fishery products focus primarily on total Hg levels as opposed to methylmercury (MeHg) levels. None of the few studies on MeHg in tuna investigated tuna from Japanese restaurants. Few have evaluated lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in tuna. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a risk assessment by evaluating heavy metal concentrations in tuna from Japanese restaurants. Thirty-one tuna samples were collected from Japanese restaurants in the Republic of Korea. They were classified according to region and species. The concentration of heavy metals in the samples was analyzed using the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Food Code method. The rate of exceedance of maximum residue levels (MRLs) and the risk compared to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) set by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (%PTWI) were evaluated for risk assessment. The mean of MeHg, Pb, Cd and As concentrations were 0.56 ± 1.47 mg/kg, 33.95 ± 3.74 μg/kg, 14.25 ± 2.19 μg/kg and 1.46 ± 1.89 mg/kg, respectively. No sample exceeded the MRLs of Pb and Cd, but 9.7% of the samples exceeded the MRL of MeHg. The %PTWIs of MeHg, Pb, Cd and As were 4.2037, 0.0162, 0.0244 and 1.1627, respectively. The %PTWI of MeHg by age group and sex was highest among men aged 19-29 years (10.6494), followed by men aged 30-49 years (7.2458) and women aged 19-29 years (4.8307). We found that 3 out of 31 samples exceeded the MRL of MeHg. The %PTWI of MeHg showed significant differences based on age and sex, and the value was likely to exceed a safe level depending on individuals' eating behaviors. Therefore, improved risk management for MeHg is required.

An analysis of the fishing characteristics of Korean large purse seine fisheries in Japanese waters

Recent studies demonstrate that fisheries are massive contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The average Korean fishing vessel is old, fuel-inefficient, and creates a large volume of emissions. Yet, there is little research on how to address the GHG emissions in Korean fisheries. This study estimated the change in GHG emissions and emission costs at different levels of fishing operations using a steady-state bioeconomic model based on the case of the Anchovy Tow Net Fishery (ATNF) and the Large Purse Seine Fishery (LPSF). We conclude that reducing the fishing efforts of the ATNF and LPSF by 37% and 8% respectively would not only eliminate negative externalities on the anchovy and mackerel stock respectively, but also mitigate emissions and emission costs in the fishing industry. To limit emissions, we propose that the Korean government reduce fishing efforts through a vessel-buyback program and set an annual catch limit. Alternatively, the government should provide loans for modernizing old fishing vessels or a subsidy for installing emission abatement equipment to reduce the excessive emissions from Korean fisheries.

Characteristics on bycatch in Korean tuna purse seine fishery associated with FAD in the Indian Ocean by scientific observer programs

본 연구는 국민건강영양조사 제5기(2010-2012) 원시자료를 이용하여 한국 농어업종사자의 무릎 OA 유병률을 파악하고 관련요인을 알아보기 위해 시행하였다. 국민건강영양조사 제5기(2010-2012) 원시자료 중 50세 이상 농어업에 종사하는 50세 이상 성인 1,264명(2010년 440명, 2011년 448명, 2012년 376명)을 연구대상자로 선정하였다. 연구대상자 중 X-ray 판독결과 Kellgren Lawrence grade가 2 이상이고 최근 3개월 동안 30일 이상 무릎관절통이 있었다고 응답한 215명과 X-ray 판독 결과 Kellgren Lawrence grade가 1 이하이고 최근 3개월 동안 30일 이상 무릎관절통이 없었다고 응답한 601명, 총 816명을 최종 연구대상자로 선정하였고 무릎 OA 유병률과 인구사회학적 또는 건강관련 요인별 유병교차비를 분석하였다. 연구결과 무릎 OA 유병률은 26.3%였고, 인구사회학적 측면에서 여성, 연령이 증가할수록, 교육수준이 낮을수록, 월소득이 적을수록 무릎 OA 유병률은 증가하였다. 건강관련 요인에서는 비흡연군, BMI가 높을수록 무릎 OA 유병률이 증가하였다.

Given that Korea is surrounded by water on three sides, fishery resources are abundant and consumed nationwide. To assess the dietary intake of micronutrients, reliable analysis should be performed. However, there is no verified method for the analysis of vitamins B7 and B12 in fishery resources. In this study, the immunoaffinity-high performance liquied chromatography (HPLC)/photodiode array-detector (PDA) was validated and applied to analyze microvitamins B7 (biotin) and B12 (cobalamins) in fishery producus. The specificity of the immunoaffinity-HPLC/PDA method was good for biotin and cyanocobalamin. The analytical quantitation limits for biotin and cyanocobalamin were 0.028 and 0.014 μg/100 g, respectively. The recovery of vitamins B7 and B12 ranged from 99.0% to 101.3%, indicating a good accuracy. The repeatability (CV 3.6%-3.8%) and reproducibility (CV 4.9%-6.1%) of immunoaffinity-HPLC/PDA assay for vitamins B7 and B12 were acceptable, indicating good precision. Vitamins B7 (1.06 to 10.55 μg/100 g) and B12 (0.36 to 36.13 μg/100 g) were detected in all fishery products (n=28) including 4 fish, 3 crustaceans, 3 marine algae, 3 cephalopods, 4 shellfish, 3 others and 8 products. The highest vitamin B7 and B12 contents were found in gazami crabs and ark shells, respectively. In conclusion, our data could be used for establishing national vitamin database on Korean fishery resources.

"국가관할권 이원지역 어업규제 논의와 국내 원양산업 영향에 관한 연구"

The determinants of changes in the number of Fishers employed by fisheries household in the Republic of Korea using count data models

The United States requested environmental consultations with South Korea under the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) in September 2019. This request occurred on the same day as the release of a report to Congress raising concerns about South Korea's response to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Following the consultations, South Korea amended its law regulating the Korean fisheries industry in order to make more enforcement mechanisms available.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) were analyzed to trace the outbreak of dinoflagellate Cochlonidium polykrikoides on the Korean coast from 1993 to 2019 along with relationship to volcanic eruptions. Parameters associated with blooms and fishery damage were sunspot number, El Niño/La Niña events, Kuroshio Current, and volcanic eruptions in the South China Sea including Indonesia and the Philippines. HAB development was halted in seawater due to the sulfur compounds (H2S, SO2, sulfates) from volcanic eruptions inducing the deficiency of the dissolved iron (Fe) in the seawater. Cochlonidium polykrikoides blooms could be predicted by the minimal sunspot number during La Niña event or weak volcanic eruptions in Indonesia and the Philippines. On line monitoring of HAB was suggested using a prototype detector of Cochlonidium polykrikoides at wavelength of 300 nm with the concentration linearity (R2 = 0.9972) between 1000 and 6000 cells/ml. HABs on the Korean coast were negligible when there were volcanic eruptions in either Indonesia or Philippines from May to August. Fishery damage was linearly proportional (R2 = 0.2986) to the maximal concentration of HAB while 5000 cells/ml was the minimal concentration of HAB with high linearity (R2 = 0.7629), caused by old cysts of Cochlonidium polykrikoides on the Korean coast rather than the fresh ones carried by the Kuroshio Current from the Philippines. Fishery damage was reversely proportional to the number of sunspots; the maximal number of sunspots induced frequent volcanic eruption in Indonesia and the Philippines for retardation of HAB with less fishery damage in Korea while the minimal number of sunspots caused less volcanic eruptions for thereby enhancing HAB resulting in more fishery damage. It was proposed that a yellow LED be used at 590 nm as a photochemical expellent as well as H2S gas bubbling at a 0.5 meter depth on the surface of the fish cage to inactivate chemically Cochlonidium polykrikoides due to the deficiency of essential iron in the seawater. In addition, the physical method of blanketing the cage cloth with smaller pore diameter than that of HAB was used for prevention of Cochlonidium polykrikoides penetrating into the fish cage.

자연의 일과 사람의 노력을 동시에 고려하는 에머지 평가법을 이용하여 우리나라 수산물 생산 시스템(원양어업 및 수산가공업 제외)의 생물리적 기반을 살펴보고 에머지 지수를 계산해 수산물 생산 시스템의 지속가능성을 평가하였다. 일년 동안 수산물 생산에 유입하는 에머지 총량은 2015년 기준 1.53×10SUP23/SUP sej/yr이었는데, 조석, 하천 담수 등 자연환경 요소를 통해 공급된 재생가능에머지가 에머지 총량의 96.2%(1.47×10SUP23/SUP sej/yr)로 대부분을 차지했다. 외부구입 에머지가 에머지 유입량에서 차지하는 비율은 3.8%에 불과했다. 수산물을 생산하는 데 투입된 연간 에머지 총량의 화폐 환산 가치는 40조 3,065억원/년으로, 에머지 관점에서 평가한 수산물 생산 비용은 어업경영비를 이용해 추정한 수산물 생산 비용보다 약 27배 많았다. 우리나라 수산물의 평균 UEV는 노동과 서비스의 에머지를 제외할 경우 2.43×10SUP7/SUP sej/J 또는 5.39×10SUP10/SUP sej/g (습중량 기준)로 계산되었다. 에머지 지수 계산 결과 우리나라 수산물 생산 시스템은 투입 비용 대비 효율성(에머지산출비율=26.51)이 높고 해양생태계에 미치는 영향(환경부하비율=0.04)이 아주 적었다. 그 결과 수산물 생산 시스템의 지속가능성(에머지지속성지수=676.41)은 아주 높은 것으로 나타났다. 수산업의 지속가능성을 높이기 위한 정책방향 제시에 더 유용한 정보를 확보하기 위해서는 해역, 어업유형, 어법 또는 생산 품종별로 에머지 평가를 수행하고, 수산업의 지속가능성을 높이기 위한 실용적인 시사점을 도출하기 위한 연구가 필요하다.

Ecosystem-based fisheries management(EBFM) is a new paradigm to ensure food security for protecting marine ecosystems and for pursuing sustainable fisheries, which are targets for the Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 14. Annual catch of Korean fisheries have shown continuously declining patterns since late 1990s. Most fish stocks are currently known to be over-exploited, and some stocks are depleted due to the increase in fishing intensity and over-capitalization of fishing fleets. In this situation, fisheries education needs to take into account ecosystem-based fisheries management(EBFM). Accordingly, an evaluation for the suitability of fisheries education is required to quantitatively determine whether the level and quality of the current education is suitable for achieving ecosystem-based fisheries assessment and management. BR A pragmatic evaluation approach was developed for the assessment of the suitability of fisheries education to the ecosystem-based fisheries assessment and management, whose four management objectives are sustainability, biodiversity, habitat quality and socio-economic benefits. Nested suitability indices, such as objectives suitability index(OSI), fishery suitability index(FSI), and ecosystem suitability index(ESI), were developed to assess the suitability status at the management unit level. A suitability diagram was developed and found to be useful in quickly displaying results. The method was demonstrated by applying it to the Korean diving apparatus fishery of the Korean sector of the East China Sea. It was found that this approach could be used to compare the suitability of education of fisheries spatially and temporally in various education fields such as curriculum or system of a certain education.

Profitable tidal flats, governable fishing communities: Assembling tidal flat fisheries in post-crisis South Korea

A Study on the Policy Directions of Korean Fisheries and Fishing Villages Applying Delphi Method