Climate Change Threatens Noble Scallops; Seeds Released in Cheonsu Bay

In an effort to revive the dwindling population of noble scallops in South Korea's Cheonsu Bay, authorities have released approximately 100,000 young scallop seeds into the marine environment. This initiative represents the first time local governments have undertaken such a release, following the revision of national guidelines that now permit broader participation in aquaculture restoration projects.

The released seeds, each over 1 centimeter in size, were cultivated for three months by the Chungnam Fisheries Resources Research Institute after being produced from broodstock secured in February. This action aligns with the government's updated "Standard Guidelines for Fisheries Seed Release," which officially added the noble scallop as a species for release along the west and south coasts.

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The high-temperature warning days are getting longer. That means the sea is warming up faster.

The noble scallop is a highly prized shellfish among fishermen in Cheonsu Bay due to its economic value and its prevalence in the region. An annual festival celebrating the scallop is even held in Namdang Port. However, climate change, specifically rising sea temperatures, has led to a sharp decline in their numbers. Hongseong County reported that less than one ton of noble scallops were caught in Cheonsu Bay last year, with officials noting the increasing duration of high-temperature warnings as evidence of the warming sea.

While artificial seed production technology for noble scallops was developed in 2019, economic limitations have hindered its widespread adoption for commercial farming. The research institute noted that offshore cage farming is not economically viable, and land-based aquaculture is often more profitable with other species like shrimp. Therefore, releasing seeds is considered a more practical alternative. Hongseong County plans to secure additional funding for seed purchase and release and pursue new projects to bolster scallop resources, leveraging the revised guidelines that now allow local governments and private entities to conduct such restoration efforts.

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Offshore cage farming is not economically viable, and land-based farming is more profitable with other species like shrimp, so there is no reason for fishermen to specifically farm scallops.