World Aquaculture March 2019

6 MARCH 2019 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WA S.ORG NIFS Has Developed the World’s First DNAMarkers for Laver The National Institute of Fisheries Sciences (NIFS) of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) has announced that it has succeeded in developing DNA molecular markers for Pyropia seriata (red algae, momoonui-dolgim in Korean), one of the major domestic cultivars of laver. The responsible agency, the Aquatic Plant Variety Center (Director, Dr. Mi- Sook Hwang) has been conducting research on the development of DNA markers for identification of laver strains in collaboration with Dr. Sang-Rae Lee of the Marine Research Institute of Pusan National University since 2016. They have developed DNA molecular markers for breed identification based on genetic variation of the mitochondrial genome. As a result of applying this method to 12 samples of parental specimens collected in Korea, it is possible to divide laver into 8 genotypes. Pyropia seriata ( momoonui-dolgim ), a type of Korean laver ( dolgim ), is one of the preferred varieties in the aquaculture industry because it is more profitable and stable than other varieties. Recently a number of research teams have been developing new varieties through selective breeding. New varieties have been released and, in 2015, the new varieties Haemodol No. 1 and Sinpung No. 1 were filed. It is necessary to develop markers to protect laver breeds. Dr. Mi-Sook Hwang, Director the Aquatic Plant Variety Center, NIFS, plans to develop various molecular markers of Korean native cultivar strains like eatbadi-dolgim ( P. dentata ) and momoonui-dolgim ( P. seriata ). These identifying DNA markers can help protect domestic varieties and resolve conflicts among laver varieties. Restoring an Endangered Kelp in the East Sea The NIFS of MOF held a seminar for the establishment of sustainable industrial infrastructure for yong-dasima ( Saccharina sculpera = Kjellmaniella crassifolia ) at the East Sea Fisheries Research Institute. Over 70 experts from research, industry and fishermen attended to discuss the resource recovery plan for this kelp species. The topics on the current status of on-going research, progress of the kelp restoration project, and industrialization of yong-dasima as a new brand were presented and then followed by a discussion on the kelp restoration program. As a side event of the seminar, the NIFS signed an MOU with Sageunjin Local Fisheries Co-Op, Gangneung-city, Gangwon-do, which has been suffering from a resource shortage of yong-dasima . Seeding frames were also given to the Co-Op as a token of resource recovery initiation. The revenue of yong-dasima sales reached 5 billion won (about US$ 5 million) in the past but this kelp has been known as an endangered species since 2000 due to habitat destruction resulting from natural disasters such as typhoons and from indiscriminate collection. The NIFS succeeded in artificial breeding from a drifted seaweed fragment in 2012 and finally got on track in 2018. This kelp was called gae-dasima ( gae means pseudo) for the time being, but in November 2018 it assumed a new brand identity as yong- dasima ( yong means dragon). It was named after the characteristic dragon patterns on both sides of young leaves. The intention of the program is to to restore yong-dasima and create value as a local brand to contribute to improvement of the income of local fishermen. Revised Edition of the ‘Standard Fisheries Products Ingredient Table 2018’ Published NIFS has published a revised edition of the Standard Fisheries Products Ingredient Table 2018, which comprehensively compiles nutritional information about Korean seafood and fishery products. In the revised edition, analysis results were added of general ingredients, amino acids, fatty acids, selenium, etc. of fisheries products and seafood that were not listed in the Korean Fisheries Products Ingredients List published in 2009 and the old results were replaced. This revised edition covers 850 kinds of seafood from seven taxonomic groups including 431 species of fish, 123 shellfish, 42 cephalopods, 45 crustaceans, 31 seaweeds, and 50 other aquatic products and 118 processed fish products. Photographs of each aquatic product are included. A QR code next to each photograph links to the Fisheries Resource Information Center ( www.nifs.go.kr/ frcenter/species) operated by NIFS. Some major fish species are also analyzed by season (monthly, seasonal) and by different organs. The contents of this booklet are intended to be useful to people interested in healthy seafood, well-being and diet. The food industry, school meal and related catering business and organizations can use this information to improve consumption of healthy fisheries products. New Sea Ranch Project in Chujado Island The MOF announced that Chujado Island, near Jeju Island, will be the site of a new coastal sea ranch. By 2022, the total project investment will be 5 billion won (about US$ 5 million), with 50 percent from federal support and 50 percent from local funds. This sea ranch will be a hybrid between a fishery and marine tourism site. It will be made up of artificial fish/shellfish reefs and natural stones to build fishing grounds that will be suitable to the natural topography. The sea ranch will be established by releasing specialized high- value local fisheries seedlings. After getting enough feedback from local fishery co-ops and other groups, a Sea Ranch Management Committee that includes experts from the region and local fishermen was recently established. With thorough follow-up management activities such as facility management, environmental improvement and illegal fishing surveillances, the effects of the sea ranch will be enhanced. Countermeasures against Climate Change in the Aquaculture Industry Wando County, Jeollanam-do Province, recently hosted a symposium on “Preemptive responses to the field difficulties in the aquaculture industry caused by climate change,” with the Korean Association of Seaweed Industry Development and the Basic Research Institute of Chonnam National University. The symposium was held to analyze causes of the abnormal ground conditions and to seek countermeasures against the effects of climate change Korean Chapter C H A P T E R R E P O R T S