Overview
The yellowtail fish, scientifically known as Seriola quinqueradiata, belongs to the Carangidae family of marine fish. It is considered a high-value species and is commonly found in the waters off South Korea's east and south coasts.
Definition
Yellowtail, sometimes called 'Bang-eo' (æ–¹éš or é´éš) in Korean, is a marine fish species with a sleek, elongated fusiform body slightly flattened on the sides. It has two dorsal fins; the first is very short, while the second is notably long. Its scales are small and round. The upper body has a bluish hue with iron-like tints, while the belly is silver-white, featuring a faint yellow stripe running from the snout to the tail. These fish typically grow up to about 1 meter in length.
Habitat and Migration
Yellowtail is predominantly found off South Korea's east and south coasts. They migrate northward from early May through summer and return southward from late summer until the following spring. Historically, this species has been abundant in these waters, with several records in Korean historical texts.
Historical Significance
In ancient Korean records, yellowtail is noted as an important local resource. The "Gyeongsangdo Jiriji" from the era of King Sejong lists it among the tribute items of Dongpyeong-hyeon. In the "Sejong Sillok Jiriji", yellowtail is mentioned as one of the key local fish species in Gyeongsang-do and Gangwon-do. Other historical texts, such as the "Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam", also document the presence of yellowtail in various provinces, highlighting its significance as a regional resource.
Economic Importance in Historical Times
The "Sejong Sillok" also contains records from 1437, noting that yellowtail, alongside cod and salmon, was one of the most commonly caught fish in Gangwon-do and Hamgyeong-do. During the Joseon Dynasty, the fish was already a crucial source of food for coastal communities in Korea.
Description in Old Texts
According to Seo Yu-gu's "Nanhogyeomokji", the yellowtail from the East Sea could grow very large, reaching lengths of 6-7 feet. He also described its flesh as bright red, which turns pale red when salted. Some texts even suggested that overconsumption of this fish could make children feel ill. In the northern regions, especially along the East Sea, giant yellowtail were caught, some reaching lengths of over 3 meters, with a girth of over 3 meters. These were often harvested for their fat, which was extracted and used.
Modern Fishing Trends
Yellowtail used to be abundant before modern overfishing began depleting their population. In the early 20th century, there were so many yellowtail that fishermen attempting to catch anchovies would often find their efforts thwarted by large schools of yellowtail. There are records from the "Joseon Fisheries Report" describing how massive schools of yellowtail would interfere with anchovy nets along the Korean coast.
Fishing Techniques and Decline
During the early 20th century, large-scale fishing operations were able to catch 3,000 to 4,000 yellowtail in a single net using traditional 'seine' fishing techniques. Yellowtail catches peaked in 1924 when nearly 6,000 metric tons were harvested, marking the highest recorded catch during the Japanese colonial period. However, after Korea's liberation, the annual catch dropped significantly, fluctuating between 1,000 and 3,000 metric tons.
Current Status and Aquaculture
Yellowtail remains a highly sought-after fish due to its popularity for sashimi, where both live and freshly caught fish are in high demand, driving up prices. This has led to increased fishing efforts, further threatening its population. To meet rising demand, Japan has developed a large-scale yellowtail farming industry, and South Korea is expected to follow this trend in the near future.
Yellowtail Farming
By 1987, the amount of yellowtail harvested through aquaculture had reached 1,418 metric tons. As of 1997, Korea's wild yellowtail catch reached 6,064 metric tons, while farmed production stood at 302 metric tons.
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