Recently, the price of dried seaweed has risen, but in Jeollanam-do alone, 1,200 tons of raw seaweed have been discarded in the ocean. It appears that the increase in production this year and the rise in aquaculture farms have led to an increase in the production of raw seaweed, causing prices to fall, resulting in the discarding of raw seaweed.
According to the Korea Federation of Fisheries Cooperative's data compiled on the 19th, the amount of discarded raw seaweed in Jeollanam-do, the largest seaweed-producing area, is close to 10% of the consignment sales volume.
At the Jindo Fisheries Cooperative, which achieved the highest nationwide sales last year, the amount of discarded raw seaweed from the beginning of this year until the 17th has reached 1,010 tons, accounting for 8% of the sales volume (2,564 tons). In Haenam, 167 tons were discarded, and in Goheung County, 49 tons were thrown away. In Goheung County, it is reported that the production was temporarily reduced by an odd-even system.
As production increases, the price of raw seaweed is on the decline. The weight of raw seaweed sold through nationwide fisheries cooperatives from the 1st to the 15th was 79,336 tons, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. The sales price per kilogram is 874 won, which is a 45% decrease from the previous year (1,604 won).
The significant increase in seaweed production this year is attributed to good conditions. The Korea Maritime Institute analyzed, "The amount of facilities has increased, and the water temperature has been maintained stably, resulting in favorable growing conditions." As of December last year, the production per unit facility (1 roll) has increased by about 27% compared to the same period last year.
Fishermen believe that the expansion of aquaculture farms by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries last year is also a reason for the increase in production. The Ministry has permitted new aquaculture farms covering 2,700 hectares, equivalent to 3,800 soccer fields. However, the Ministry noted, "The 2,700 hectares of aquaculture farms account for only 3% of the total, so we believe the impact is not significant."
Meanwhile, fishermen are pointing out that, unlike the price of raw seaweed, the price of dried seaweed has risen significantly, questioning whether processing companies are making excessive profits. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's price information site, as of the 17th of this month, the average selling price of dried seaweed (one bundle) was 11,860 won, about 91% higher than the average price (6,198 won). The retail average price for a pack of 10 pieces of medium dried seaweed was 1,436 won, which is 53% higher than the average.