Core Viewpoint - The catch of sea crabs in South Korea has significantly decreased due to unusually low water temperatures, impacting both the supply and prices of seafood in the region [3][4][6]. Group 1: Catch Volume and Conditions - The main reason for the sharp decline in sea crab catch is the low water temperature caused by a cold wave in February and March, disrupting the crabs' migration patterns [3]. - In April, the catch volume from the Yeonpyeong fishing ground was reported at 7.8 tons, a drastic decrease of 89.5% compared to the same period last year, marking the first time in five years that the catch fell below 10 tons [4]. Group 2: Economic Impact on Fishermen - The reduction in crab catch directly affects the livelihoods of local fishermen, with total income for the first month of the spring season estimated at approximately 2.4 billion KRW (around 1.24 million RMB), a decline of over 70% year-on-year, the lowest level since 2020 [6]. - Fishermen are expressing concerns about the sustainability of their operations, with some considering scrapping their fishing boats if the situation does not improve [6]. Group 3: Price Increases and Market Response - The sharp decline in seafood catch has led to a noticeable increase in prices, with seafood prices in South Korea rising by 6.4% year-on-year in April, the highest increase in 25 months [8]. - To stabilize seafood prices, the South Korean government announced an additional investment of 500 billion KRW (approximately 25 million RMB) in subsidies, while supermarkets are increasing imports of seafood from abroad [8].