In the first half of this year, Korea's deep-sea fishing production saw a notable increase, with total production reaching 222,943 tons, a 38% rise from the same period last year. This growth was driven by a 41% increase in tuna production to 140,858 tons and a 96% surge in squid catches to 58,879 tons. Despite challenges like rising oil prices and resource localization, the ocean industry is crucial for enhancing Korea's food self-sufficiency and stabilizing seafood prices, according to Kim Young-gyu, president of the Korea Ocean Industry Association.