15/07/2014: Shelling disputed waters does not diminish importance of fish farming to North Korea

Despite firing over 100 artillery shells into the sea near the disputed maritime
border with South Korea this week (see Daily Telegraph story), North Korea
still values its fisheries resources. 

Kim Jong Un (4th from right) views a fish breeding pool at the Ryongjong Fish Farm. Also seen in this image are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3rd from right), General Kim Kyok Sik (2nd from right) and General Kim Yong Chol (right) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

It is interesting to recall that just over one year ago, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un visited the Ryongjong Fish Farm near the disputed region: the same farm the DPRK’s late supreme leader visited prior to the artillery shelling of Yo’np’yo’ng Island by KPA forces on November 23, 2010.  

KCNA reported that KJU “recollected the long and tiresome journeys made by Kim Jong Il, exerting devoted efforts to bring about a fresh turn in fish breeding as required by the new century, saying he could not forget November 21, 2010 when he visited there, accompanying the leader.” 

A view of Ryongjong Fish Farm in South Hwanghae Province, visited by Kim Jong Un on March 11, 2013. It was also visited by late leader Kim Jong Il on or around November 21, 2010, two days prior to KPA forces’ artillery shelling of Yo’np’yo’ng Island on November 23, 2010 (Photo: Google image)

He toured a water temperature control facility and the fish farm’s indoor and outdoor breeding ponds.

According to KCNA Kim Jong Un, “What is important in fish breeding is to put fish farming on a scientific basis. This would make it possible to keep fish production going at a high rate.”  

He toured the water supply and the Ryongjon Fish Farm production facilities.  

KJU said, “People cannot substantially benefit from fish farms if the supply of food for fishes is not put on a par with fish production no matter how many modern ones are built.”

KCNA reported that “Seeing the letters displayed in the compound of the fish farm ‘Sturgeons go to sea while the DPRK advances into the world’, he told the officials to add the letters ‘Satellites enter space’. 

World-startling miracles are being worked in various parts of the country through a dynamic drive for breaking through the cutting edge under the wise leadership of our party, he added.

KCNA also reported, “Noting that the Ryongjong Fish Farm is crystal of Kim Jong Il’s love for people, he proposed erecting a monument to the undying leadership feats of Kim Jong Il and displaying his portrait in the compound of the farm to convey his loving care to posterity” and that KJU “told the officials and employees of the fish farm to play a pioneer’s role in translating the desire of Kim Jong Il to provide the people with more fish into reality.”

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