◀ again ▶
Recently, the phenomenon of mass deaths of sardines off Masan, Gyeongnam, has been going on for more than fifteen days.
The National Fisheries Research Institute conducted an investigation and revealed the result of asphyxiation due to “lack of oxygen”.
However, there is still no clear explanation as to why only sardines died, so questions are still being raised.
Journalist Lee Jae-kyung reported this.
◀ Report ▶
A coast off Masan, Gyeongsangnam-do, is full of dead sardines.
Since the 30th of last month, more than 200 tons of sardines have been collected.
The National Institute of Fisheries Sciences, which was conducting an investigation, said that in the marine area where the mass death occurred, an oxygen-poor body of water with an oxygen concentration was partially observed dissolved of 3 mg per liter or less.
There were many sardines with their mouths open, a symptom of death from lack of oxygen, and no harmful substances such as pathogens or heavy metals were detected.
Although the National Institute of Fisheries Sciences has found that the cause of this mass death of sardines is “lack of oxygen”, the question still remains.
Floating fish can move to a place with more oxygen, so why have only sardines become extinct?
[조정림/창원물생명시민연대 집행위원장]
“There is also the question ‘why have so many sardines arrived (Masan Bay)’. None of these questions have been answered.”
Fishermen also question the results of the survey, claiming that it is a phenomenon caused by the discarding of too many sardines caught.
[이용진/마산용마산어촌계장]
“When there are so many fish forming a colony like this, there is no choice but to loosen the net. The ship sinks.”
However, the Academy of Sciences did not provide a clear explanation.
[임현정/국립수산과학원 남동해수산연구소장]
“There were some fish mixed with sardines, but the ratio (deaths) was very small and (sardines) are a migratory species, so they have a very high oxygen demand.”
The National Academy of Fisheries Sciences has announced that it will strengthen monitoring of the fishing environment and observe more sardines in response to these questions.
I’m Lee Jae-kyung of MBC News.
Video coverage: Han Yeon-ho (Gyeongnam)
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