Climate Change Impact on South Korean Fishermen: Rising Deaths and Rough Seas

Impact of Climate Change on Fishing

• 🌡️ Warmer seas are causing South Korea's fishing industry to experience a faster warming rate than the global average.
• 📉 This warming has led to a significant decrease in fish populations, with fishermen catching only a fraction of their usual daily catch.
• 💰 The low catch makes it difficult to cover operational costs like fuel expenses, impacting the livelihoods of fishermen.

Increased Dangers at Sea

• 🌫️ Dense fog is a recurring problem, severely limiting visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
• 🌊 Fishermen report experiencing unpredictable and violent waves, with boats capsizing in as little as 10-15 seconds due to sudden, powerful triangular waves.
• ⚠️ The changing climate is making sea conditions increasingly rough and unmanageable, contributing to a higher frequency of dangerous situations.

Human Cost and Financial Strain

• 💔 Over 100 fishermen died last year due to boat capsizing or sinking, highlighting the extreme dangers of the profession.
• 🏠 Unlike boats, which can be insured and replaced, the lives of fishermen cannot be compensated for, leaving their families devastated.
• 🎣 The degradation of the marine environment is not only a safety issue but also a source of disappointment and loss for fishermen who no longer find satisfaction in their work due to the scarcity of fish.
• 📊 The overall state of the sea is described as a "mess," making it impossible to predict conditions or catches.