The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to release juvenile fish into the sea and install artificial reefs to provide them with better living conditions. (image: Korea Fisheries Resources Agency)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s oceans ministry said Tuesday it will allocate 60.3 billion won (US$53.8 million) this year to create so-called underwater forests to improve the country’s marine ecosystem.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said it plans to establish underwater forests with a combined size of 3,130 hectares.
“The project aims to revitalize the ocean, which has been hurt by climate change along with excessive fishing,” the ministry said.
The underwater forests will be established at 22 locations in waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula. The type of underwater plants to make up the forests will depend on the nature of each region.
The ministry added reefs will be created in coastal areas to prevent sea desertification and to establish eco-friendly habitats for specific species, such as black scrapers or octopuses.
It also plans to release juvenile fish into the sea and install artificial reefs to provide them with better living conditions.
“Revitalizing the fisheries resources will build the ground for a sustainable fishery industry,” the ministry said, claiming the enriched ocean will help local fishermen to enjoy better profits as well.
(Yonhap)
