NIFS projected that this summer would have a higher chance to experience high water temperature due to the weakened cold water mass in the west part of the South Sea. 

In May, the South Sea Fisheries Research Institute of NIFS monitored the cold water mass in the west part of the South Sea including Heuksando, Jindo, and Wando, observing that the water temperature is 1.5~2.5℃ higher than average year(2013-2023).

Based on the observed data, it also projected that the water temperature this summer will be 2℃ higher than average year and similar to previous year due to the cold water mass weaker than usual. 

In 2018 and 2021, Jeonnam sea area including Heuksando already experienced the mass mortality* of cultured marine fish under high water temperature caused by weakened cold water mass. 

* '18 KRW 16.95 billion damage to 254 culture households/ '21 KRW 650 million damage to 25 culture households

Every week, the South Sea Fisheries Research Institute shares the updated water temperature data on major shellfish farms with aquaculture communities through the social network service like Naver BAND. 

Starting from July, it is also going to provide weekly water temperature prediction data to municipals and fishermen in Jindo, Wando, and Goheung, which are the potential subject to damage of high water temperature.