Industrial competitiveness analysis among major aquaculture products and farming types in Korea

In Korea, aquaculture production has drastically increased since the 1990s, and the total aquaculture output has been exceeding that of adjacent waters fisheries since 2006. The aquaculture industry has increased in importance since it creates jobs and production for Korean fisheries. This study aims to examine industrial competitiveness among the Korean aquaculture products and farming types using the competitiveness indices, composed of assessment factors like management capabilities of Korean aquaculture producers, infrastructure and distribution, and processing capacities. Assessing different species with the indices will help understand the relative competitiveness of each species and establish more appropriate policies. This research is comprised of surveys, questionnaires, and interviews with specialists on major aquaculture species produced in Korea. In conclusion, future aquaculture policies should be concentrated on highly competitive species such as finfish, abalone, and laver, which are expected to advance globalization of Korean aquaculture. It is also necessary to reflect the competitiveness assessment result on the policies.