The ocean temperature is continuously rising due to the heatwave, and damage to marine fish species is expanding. In particular, rockfish which thrives best at 18–25 °C loses viability significantly when temperatures exceed 27–28 °C, causing its sale price in large supermarkets and wholesale markets to surge. According to a recent weekly report from the Korean Fisheries Association, between the 27th of June and the 1st of August, the average selling price per kilogram of rockfish was ₩20,2300, up 2.29 % compared with the previous month, and increased by 13.2 % compared to July last year.
Large supermarkets report that a 300‑g rockfish sold in the market is priced at ₩25,000 in E-Mart and ₩26,000 in Lotte Mart. Compared with the price of ₩19,000 when a similar weight was on sale during an early May discount event, the current price shows a sharp increase. On the other hand, as rockfish loses viability due to rising ocean temperature, the total quantity of affected marine fish species is estimated at about 450,000 individuals by June 6th, with damages costing around ₩1 billion and 5 million, according to data published by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. These losses are greater than land-based agriculture and are expected to increase further in future.
Because rockfish is a species sensitive to temperature changes, recent rise of ocean temperatures due to the heatwave has simultaneously triggered lower production of marine fish and higher wholesale prices. Prices are also rising in small retail outlets such as large supermarkets and wholesale markets. Accordingly, the fisheries industry must look for measures to anticipate future change, secure supply and manage inventory. Kim Su‑young, a reporter from Hankyung.com (swimmingk@hankyung.com) emphasized that "the current surge of rockfish price in the market is not just a simple rise of price but a moment requiring cautious response and overall industry action."