1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the current situation in the Korean aquaculture industry, particularly the shortage of supply and rise in prices for two popular fish species – flatfish (광어) and rockfish (우럭). The article explores the reasons behind this unprecedented situation, including the impact of rising water temperatures on fish hatchlings.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 전년 | jeon-nyeon | previous year | The wholesale price of rockfish in May was 39.2% higher than the same period the previous year. |
| 대비 | dae-bi | compared to | The wholesale price of flatfish was 11.3% higher compared to the same period the previous year. |
| 지난해 | jin-nan-hae | last year | The prolonged high water temperature phenomenon last summer is cited as the background for the rapid price increase. |
| 있다 | it-da | to exist, to be | According to the Korea Maritime Institute’s Fisheries Outlook Center, the wholesale price of rockfish in May was 17,813 won per kilogram. |
| 광어 | gwang-eo | flatfish | The supply of flatfish is decreasing due to the mass mortality of fry caused by the rise in sea water temperature. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
최근 광어와 우럭의 공급 부족으로 가격이 크게 상승했다. 해수 온도 상승으로 치어 폐사가 늘어나면서 출하량이 감소했기 때문이다.
The supply of flatfish and rockfish has recently been insufficient, leading to a significant increase in prices. This is because the rise in seawater temperature has led to an increase in the mortality of fry, resulting in a decrease in the volume of fish available for sale.
지난 5월 기준 우럭 도매가격은 ㎏당 1만7813원으로, 전년 동기 대비 39.2% 상승했다. 같은 기간 광어 도매가격은 ㎏당 1만9500원으로 전년 동기 대비 11.3% 올랐다.
As of last May, the wholesale price of rockfish was 17,813 won per kilogram, a 39.2% increase compared to the same period the previous year. During the same period, the wholesale price of flatfish rose 11.3% to 19,500 won per kilogram compared to the previous year.
고수온 현상이 주된 원인으로 지목되고 있다. 2017년 고수온 특보 제도 시행 이후 최장 기록을 기록한 지난해 여름 장기간 이어진 고수온으로 인해 치어 폐사가 집중되었다.
The prolonged high water temperature phenomenon last summer is cited as the main cause. The mass mortality of fry was concentrated due to the long-lasting high water temperatures, which set a record since the implementation of the high water temperature warning system in 2017.
이에 따라 지난달 광어 양성물량은 전년 동기 대비 32.7% 감소했다. 우럭 역시 공급 부족으로 가격이 크게 올랐다.
As a result, the volume of flatfish being farmed last month decreased by 32.7% compared to the same period the previous year. Rockfish also saw a significant price increase due to supply shortages.
양식장들은 이번 상황을 ‘초유의 상황’이라고 표현하고 있다. 해수 온도 상승이 지속되면 앞으로도 공급 부족과 가격 상승이 이어질 것으로 예상된다.
Aquaculture farms are describing this situation as an “unprecedented” one. If the rise in seawater temperature continues, supply shortages and price increases are expected to continue in the future.
이처럼 기후 변화로 인한 해수 온도 상승이 수산업에 큰 영향을 미치고 있다. 앞으로 양식업계의 대응 방안이 주목된다.
Climate change-induced rises in seawater temperature are having a significant impact on the fishing industry. The response strategies of the aquaculture industry will be closely watched going forward.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What are the two main fish species discussed in the article?
- What is the main reason behind the supply shortage and price increase for these fish?
- How much have the wholesale prices increased for flatfish and rockfish compared to the previous year?
- How much has the volume of farmed flatfish decreased compared to the previous year?
- How are aquaculture farms describing the current situation?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Flatfish (광어) and rockfish (우럭) are two of the most popular and widely consumed seafood items in Korea. They are commonly found in Korean cuisine, used in dishes such as sashimi, grilled fish, and fish stew. The current supply shortage and price increases for these fish are having a significant impact on the Korean food industry and consumer prices.