Bonghwa-gun released young snails to increase fish resources in inland waters. On October 31, Bonghwa-gun released 120,000 young snails at Hyeondongcheon, Socheon-myeon, a tributary of the Nakdong River, with the attendance of about 20 people, including Provincial Councilor Park Chang-wook, officials from the Agricultural Administration and Livestock Department, Socheon-myeon Office, and Socheon-myeon Boramhoe members.
This stocking event was promoted by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Fisheries Resources Research Institute as part of the ‘2024 Young Sulchulgi Stocking Event’ to create abundant fishery resources in inland waters.
The young fish released this time are healthy individuals measuring about 0.7 cm in height, supported by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Freshwater Fish Research Center located in Geunnam-myeon, Uljin-gun, and will grow into adults after two years.
Because it feeds on organic matter, moss, and fish carcasses on the river bottom, it is called a river cleaner and is an indicator species in the ecosystem that plays an important role in water purification. However, due to the recent decline in population, ecosystem restoration is urgently needed.
This event was held in January at the Socheon-myeon County Government briefing held by the 8th popularly elected County Governor Park Hyeon-guk, and the Boram Association requested the Freshwater Fish Research Center to release fish and snails into Hyeondongcheon to attract tourists.
The county released 60,000 silver jays into Hyeondongcheon in early May.
An official from Bonghwa-gun said, “The county will continue to promote the release of native fish and young squid to restore river ecosystems and biodiversity, while strengthening crackdowns to prevent illegal capture of released fry and spat.”
Meanwhile, Bonghwa-gun held a report and tasting session on the specialized food recipe development and distribution project on October 30.
The tasting session was held on this day in the training room and training room on the second floor of the Bonghwa-gun Processing Education Center, and guests such as the Bonghwa-gun governor, deputy governor, lawmakers, restaurant industry representatives, participating companies, and the Korean Food Research Association participated to taste and evaluate the developed menu.
This project was planned to supply diverse and unique foods to tourists visiting Bonghwa-gun, and was hosted and managed by the Bonghwa-gun Agricultural Technology Center.
A total of 9 menus, including hot pot, set meal, and noodle soup, were developed using agricultural and specialty products such as herbal medicine beef, mushrooms, apples, and wild vegetables from Bonghwa-gun, and are being distributed to 8 companies and selling specialized menus.
Participating companies said, “The menu developed this time well reflects the characteristics of Bonghwa-gun and is excellent in both taste and price.”, “It is good that a new menu has been developed. “We look forward to visits from a variety of customers.”
Bonghwa-gun Mayor Park Hyeon-guk said, “We will continue to develop and distribute unique and diverse foods to develop Bonghwa-gun’s food culture and revitalize the local economy.”
The Korean Women Farmers’ Bonghwa-gun Association held an eco-friendly soap sharing event at the Bonghwa-gun Welfare Center for the Disabled on October 29th.
On this day, Hanyeo Farm in Bonghwa-gun donated 500 sets of eco-friendly soap to the Bonghwa-gun Welfare Center for the Disabled as part of a project to improve resident awareness of living environment.
This project was a meaningful opportunity for Bonghwa-gun Hanyeo Farm members to easily practice carbon neutrality in their daily lives by producing eco-friendly soap and to convey the happiness of sharing by donating it to local facilities.
Lee Mi-ja, CEO of Hanyeo Nong, said, “Through this sharing, we hope to provide a lot of help and hope to our neighbors in need. We will continue to increase interest in the underprivileged and become a leader in implementing carbon neutrality.”
Economy Queen reporter Choi Hana photo Bonghwa-gun
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Aquatic Ecosystems
Editor: Thank you for joining us today! We’ve just read about Bonghwa-gun’s recent initiative to release 120,000 young snails into the Hyeondongcheon river. Can you tell us a bit about why this is significant for the local ecosystem?
Expert: Absolutely! The release of young snails is quite pivotal for the health of the river ecosystem. Snails, particularly the species being released, play a crucial role as what we call “river cleaners.” They feed on organic matter, including decomposed fish, moss, and other debris on the riverbed. This helps in purifying the water and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Editor: That’s fascinating! However, it was mentioned that the snail population has been declining. What factors contribute to this decline?
Expert: There are several factors at play. Habitat loss due to urban development, pollution, and even climate change can significantly impact aquatic species. Overfishing and illegal capture can also lead to a drastic reduction in natural populations. Restoring these species is essential not only for the river health but also to maintain biodiversity.
Editor: Speaking of biodiversity, there was also the release of 60,000 silver jays earlier this year. How do these two initiatives work together towards improving the ecosystem?
Expert: The two initiatives complement each other well. Silver jays are part of the food web; they can help manage insect populations and serve as prey for larger fish, which can also help rebalance the ecosystem. Together, the restoration of both snails and fish populations aids in creating a more sustainable environment in the Hyeondongcheon river.
Editor: It seems that Bonghwa-gun is taking a comprehensive approach to ecosystem restoration. Can you elaborate on the long-term benefits of projects like this?
Expert: Certainly! In the long run, such initiatives can lead to enhanced biodiversity, which makes ecosystems more resilient. A diverse aquatic environment can also boost local fisheries, benefiting community livelihoods. Additionally, healthier ecosystems can attract tourists and create educational opportunities, further benefiting the local economy.
Editor: That brings us to the food development project they held recently. How can promoting local cuisine, like the specialized dishes made with regional products, support these ecological efforts?
Expert: Promoting local cuisine is a fantastic way to create awareness and appreciation for the region’s natural resources. When people understand where their food originates and the importance of the ecosystems that produce it, they’re more likely to support conservation efforts. This creates a cycle where sustainable practices can help foster both ecological health and economic prosperity for the community.
Editor: It sounds like a holistic approach is being taken in Bonghwa-gun. With all these measures in place, what do you think the future holds for the aquatic ecosystems there?
Expert: If these initiatives continue and expand, I’m hopeful we’ll see a rebound in both aquatic species and overall river health. Increasing public awareness and community involvement in conservation efforts can lead to sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the local economy for years to come.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today! It’s encouraging to see efforts like these making a positive impact on our ecosystems.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s important to keep the conversation going about sustainable practices and the vital role ecosystems play in our lives.