Yanggu County in Gangwon Province has purchased 24 tons of invasive and non-native fish this year to protect local native species in Paroho and Soyangho.
According to Yanggu County on August 19, the county has conducted five rounds of purchases this year, acquiring a total of 24,114 kilograms of invasive and non-native fish, which represents 71% of the annual target of 34 tons.
The breakdown of the purchases includes 18,276 kilograms of invasive species such as bass and bluegill, and 5,838 kilograms of non-native species like loach and Korean bullhead. The total compensation paid for these purchases amounts to 138,846,000 won, with invasive species valued at 6,000 won per kilogram and non-native species at 5,000 won per kilogram.
The total project cost is 166,668,000 won. The program is implemented by purchasing the targeted species caught by local fishermen in Paroho and Soyangho.
Efforts are particularly focused on the spawning season of bass and bluegill to capture adult fish before they breed, thereby suppressing their population growth and enhancing the effectiveness of the initiative.
Bass and bluegill are considered highly harmful to the domestic ecosystem and have been designated as invasive species by the government. They are carnivorous and highly reproductive, competing for food and habitat with native fish and aquatic organisms.
As these species proliferate, the population and diversity of native fish can decline, potentially disrupting the freshwater food chain. Since it is challenging to completely eradicate established invasive species, concentrated capture during spawning season, habitat assessments, and ongoing population management are crucial.
In contrast, loach, Korean bullhead, and other species are native to the region. Yanggu County distinguishes them from invasive species and categorizes them as non-native species that require population control due to their low resource utilization.
The captured fish will not be discarded but will be utilized as feed and fertilizer materials. The county believes this approach will minimize resource waste during processing and contribute to resource recycling.
Yanggu County plans to continue its efforts to control invasive species to restore native fish populations and protect the freshwater ecosystem in Paroho and Soyangho.
Jeong Il-seop, head of the Yanggu County Livestock Distribution Division, stated, “Invasive species impact the habitat of native fish and the freshwater ecosystem, so ongoing management is essential. We will consistently pursue the purchase program to protect native fish and maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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