[Contribution] The warning and response to changes in the fishing environment conveyed by aquatic organisms

Our seas are already on the front lines of climate change. Over the past 57 years, the surface water temperature of our seas has risen by approximately 1.58°C, which is more than double the global average increase of 0.74°C. Indeed, due to the high water temperatures, last year saw the largest ever reported damage to fisheries, amounting to 143 billion won. Aquatic organisms are physiologically and ecologically greatly affected by even slight changes in water temperature. A difference of just 2-3°C can lead to reduced immune function, disease spread, poor growth, changes in spawning times, and mass mortality. Mussels experience a decline in spawning activity and a sharp increase in mortality rates when water temperatures exceed 30°C. Sea squirts see a significant increase in mortality rates above 25°C, and in the case of razor clams, the bottom water temperature in their main farming area, Deokryang Bay in Jeonnam, has risen by 1.8°C over the past decade. Repeated occurrences of ...