WWW.WA S .ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2022 7 C H A P T E R R E P O R T S the NIFS, the basis for industrialization was created by securing and preserving the genetic resources of yong kelp, developing aquaculture technology for mass production, selling seeds and creating a brand image. This achievement is the first successful case of species restoration in the field of seaweed by utilizing the genetic resources of yong (dragon) kelp. Ban on the Installation of New Styrofoam Buoys The MOF announced that it would gradually ban the installation of new styrofoam (expanded polystyrene) buoys, starting with submerged farms such as seaweeds and oysters. Because styrofoam buoys are easily damaged, they have been identified as a major source of marine microplastics. Accordingly, the MOF amended the Enforcement Rules of the Fisheries Management Act to restrict the installation of styrofoam buoys on fish farms. From now on, new styrofoam buoys are limited to floating farms such as seaweeds and oysters. Also, from November next year, the new installation of styrofoam buoys will be prohibited on all fish farms. The MOF has continued on-site communication to help fishermen understand the styrofoam buoy use restriction system and to induce active participation by holding an ‘open communication forum’ in which fishermen, environmental groups and experts from each field participate. In addition, to reduce the use of styrofoam buoys in fish farms, the certification buoy supply support project, which has a significantly low probability of generating styrofoam pellets, was promoted, and replaced 20.88 million styrofoam buoys with certified buoys by last year. From next year, along with the supply of certified buoys, the company plans to carry out a project to collect and dispose of waste styrofoam buoys. The 7th Korea Ornamental Fish Industry Expo The MOF held the 7th Korea Ornamental Fish Industry Expo at Aqua Pet Land, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do, in October. This exhibition was held under the theme of ‘Ornamental fish, a new leap towards the future,’ and was attended by government and local government officials, ornamental fish industry associations, ornamental fish farmers, aquarium supply manufacturers and sellers and ornamental fish clubs. At this year’s fair, there were four exhibition halls, including a water tank/supplies hall, a food/medicine hall, and a service hall, and 59 public promotion booths displaying various ornamental fish such as guppies, colored carp and goldfish, as well as multiple aquaria and related supplies, feeds and medicines. The Expo exhibited 537 pieces of colorful ornamental fish raised by hobbyists, companies, and related organizations and 25 selections of aquarium decorations of seaweed and aquatic plants. Along with dogs and cats, ornamental fish are considered one of the three major groups of companion animals and are known to have positive effects on emotional stability, child development and prevention of dementia. Venue for Korea-US Ocean Science and Technology Cooperation The MOF announced that it held the ‘Korea-US Marine Science and Technology Cooperation Annual Meeting’ with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Haeundae, Busan, in September. This annual meeting was held face-to-face for the first time in three years since COVID-19 and reviewed the significant achievements and progress of the Korea-US marine science and technology cooperation project in 2022 and discussed the discovery of project tasks to be promoted in 2023. The KoreaUS Marine Science and Technology Cooperation project began in 2000 and consists of five areas: integrated coastal management, marine research, fishery resource management, aquaculture and Sea Grants. The scale of collaboration, which started with nine topics and $139,000, has grown to 26 tasks and $925,000 as of 2022, further solidifying the cooperative relationship between the two countries. In the early days of the project, we focused on introducing advanced marine policies such as marine spatial planning and marine protected area management systems. Through the Korea-US cooperation project, we were able to establish a partnership with the US for sustainable aquaculture development. The 22-year Korea-US marine science and technology cooperation project has enabled both countries to develop marine science and technology together. WOF 2022 – Ocean as Uniters, Pursuing Global Cooperation for the Good of the Planet The World Ocean Forum (WOF) celebrated its 16th anniversary this year, an event organized by the Korea Association of Marine Industry. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the forum was held in the form of a hybrid conference in October. This year’s central theme was “Ocean as uniters, pursuing global cooperation for the good of the planet.” Mr. Marcio Castro de Souza (Director, Fisheries Trade Team, FAO UN) gave the keynote speech. He elaborated on the most recent trends in producing fisheries and aquaculture products and the associated challenges and market innovations while highlighting the interconnectedness of FAO instruments and technical support. The WOF defined a new concept called the ‘Hyper Ocean,’ following last year’s ‘Ocean Transformation.’ Hyper Ocean means the beginning of the era with countless innovations and changes. Key players in the oceans have already made efforts to have competitiveness through new technologies and strategies. Where is the path we must choose in the era of Hyper Ocean? It is time to reunite beyond the chaos we have been through. We will identify solutions to form a roadmap to a sustainable, thriving ocean economy. — Ik Kyo Chung, President As i a Paci f ic, continued from page 4 The world is in real need of innovation for a controversial future that is not yet understood. We can only hope that the new generation of aquapreneurs will prioritize our planet rather than profit or any other business considerations. I wish to all my colleagues and friends to enjoy their time at WAS Singapore and hope I will be able to meet you all in Darwin next year. I also welcome Dr. Salin as incoming APC President knowing he will do a great job and I will make all efforts to continue working with him as the Past-president. On behalf of the Board, I wish you great success with your projects. — Jean-Yves Mével, President
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