• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2007

The chum salmon enhancement program in Korea started at Gowon in Hamgyeong nam-do in 1913 and the program has been more active since Yeongdong Inland Fisheries Research Institute was established at Yangyang in 1984. The major activities were the release of chum salmon fingerlings and the catch of adult chum salmon for artificial fertilization. The range of return rate to Korean waters was in $0.72{\sim}1.57%$ during 1990s, but it has declined seriously since 2000. To overcome the low return rate and enhance chum salmon resources in Korean waters, we must understand the mechanisms of mass mortality of chum salmon during their early life in rivers and coastal areas in conjuction with the fluctuation of return rates and climate. In addition, comprehensive and effective habitat protection and restoration policies will be needed.