2025 Oyster Crop: 28,656 Tons... Production and Prices Both Decline

The production volume and production value of oysters for the 2025 crop are expected to decrease compared to the previous year. According to data from the Korea Maritime Institute's (KMI) Fisheries Outlook Center, the oyster production for 2025 (September 2024 to May 2025) is 28,656 tons, a 4.8% decrease from the previous year and 7.1% lower than the average year. The center analyzed that this reduction is due to the industry's continued self-preservation efforts amid concerns about price drops, coupled with shellfish harvesting restrictions after March. The production decrease was particularly prominent in South Gyeongsang Province. Oyster production in South Gyeongsang Province dropped to 22,199 tons, an 8.2% decrease from the previous year, while South Jeolla Province increased to 5,779 tons (9.5%), and other regions increased to 678 tons (5.3%). The local market price averaged 7,747 won per kg, 2.1% lower than the previous year and 5.2% lower than the average year. Although ...