Present Situations on the Development and Utilization of Artificial Reefs in Korea

We discussed current situations in relation to developments and utilizations of artificial reefs (ARs) in Korea. ARs have been introduced since the first project officially started in 1971. Afterwards, comprehensive projects have been implemented to boost the fishing industry, such as a seedling release of fish, constructions of marine ranch and sea forests by using technologies of the design and deployment of ARs from 1998 to 2015. It proved that catch of fish fairly increased, and accordingly fishermen’s earnings were also improved, compared to the past when those projects were not executed yet. In addition, local governments and communities are closely collaborating to rehabilitate the fishing industry by means of improving marine environments, complementary plantings of algae, organizing a self-ruled fishing community, and a post management of marine ranch. In recent years, however, the fishing industry is challenging due to climate change, rise of sea level, and coastal pollutions almost all around the world. Therefore, we will have to share our knowledge of ARs and collaborate in order to overcome the current crisis of fishing industry.