The Economics Of Rebuilding The Yellow Croaker Fisheries In Korea

Since the establishment and enforcement of the yellow croaker stock rebuilding plan in 2007, stock research and evaluation are continuously being conducted on the stock and diverse rebuilding measures are also being considered. The current yellow croaker stock rebuilding plan emphasizes policies to reduce fishing pressure and create resources, but it is relatively indifferent about the management of habitats and spawning grounds, protection of marine environment and reduction of pollution. More active participation by fishers and better understanding between fishers groups are required for the effective enforcement of the rebuilding plan. Education and information campaigns directed at fishers should be reinforced to support the rebuilding plan as these plans must include broader participation by fishers. Summarizing the results of the rebuilding plan, it is clear that the decreasing trend of the yellow croaker stock has been reversed and its catch reached 33,200 tonnes(M/T) in 2008. The increase is believed to be the result of a combination of rebuilding efforts e.g. clean-up of fishing grounds, stricter enforcement of regulations, fewer Chinese fishing vessels operating in the Yellow Sea and favourable changes in the marine ecosystem where the fisheries are taking place. This demonstrates that management measures must be accompanied by favourable environmental factors in order to be successful and that a holistic approach that addresses various threats to the species be examined. Accordingly, the effect of stock rebuilding plans for yellow croaker on other related fisheries must sufficiently be taken into consideration. In order to rebuild yellow croaker fisheries, a rebuilding plan for the ecosystem must gradually be established and related multi-fisheries should be managed systematically. In addition, because yellow croaker, are captured in the fishing grounds of Korea, China and Japan, efficient management in one nation will not lead to efficient recovery. Therefore, the joint management among Korea, China and Japan regarding the YCSRP is required. A joint regional fisheries management system among Korea, China and Japan must be established in the future to mutual cooperate on ecosystem based YCSRP among adjacent nations.