NIFS underlined the need to manage aquaculture organisms thoroughly, as a "Caution" notice of LWT* crisis alert will be lifted as of March 14 with the anticipation of water temperature rise. 

*LWT: Low Water Temperature

Over the LWT season, aquaculture organisms go into less activity and reduced feed intake, resulting in weakened digestive function and immunity. The activity and feed intake, however, come to increase as the water temperature rises. In the process, there is a high possibility of a second mortality of aquaculture organisms suffering infectious diseases* or digestive problems due to overfeeding.

* Infectious diseases refer to the bacterial diseases such as Vibriosis and Aeromonas. 

For the health management, therefore, it should be done to increase feeding amount gradually to enable the digestive system to recover its function. Also, by providing formulated feeds mixed with immune enhancers, it is possible to prevent the diseases and mortality as well as to improve the immunity. 

In case of the abnormal activity of aquaculture organisms being observed or something raising a question on disease infection, swift actions should be taken through discussions with experts on disease of the aquatic organism disease inspector, agencies responsible for diagnostic tests, etc. 

Meanwhile, NIFS provides the manuals not only on formulated feeds provision by species, but also on aquaculture technology by variety, which are available on the website of NIFS (www.nifs.go.kr).

The manuals are expected to be utilized so that they can contribute to preventing mortality in aquaculture since after the LWT season. 

The president of NIFS said, "The cold waves in February of this year did damage to the aquaculture organisms in some regions. There is also a high possibility of the health of aquaculture organisms having been deteriorated by the impact of long-lasting LWT." He emphasized, "It is of primary importance to prevent further damage by carrying out thorough management when water temperature is on the rise."