SALMON SPOTTED IN SOUTHERN CITIES

[Anchor Lead]

A school of salmon have been found in a stream running across the southern city of Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Salmon used to be spotted usually in the northern province of Gangwon-do. The fish are also seen in streams in other southern cities, such as Ulsan and Busan, due to improved water quality.

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In a stream at the center of Changwon in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, a salmon over 60 centimeters long, is seen swimming around. Under the water, there are holes of sand and pebbles, which seem to have been dug by salmon for spawning eggs. About ten salmon were found along an 80-meter section of the stream. This is the first time a school of salmon have been found in a stream in the southern city.

[Soundbite] LEE CHOON-SOO(CHANGWON CITY GOV'T) : "We already confirmed in September that sweetfish exist in the stream. It is necessary to conduct an additional study on the salmon. The city government will set up a task force in order for a more systematic study."

They are presumed to have traveled northwards via the Masan Bay during the breeding season, after being released in the southern rivers of Seomjin and Taehwa when they were younger. Experts say their presence indicates the eco-system in the urban stream has improved. Some are also calling for further improvement to the local environment in order to make the fish return to the stream.

[Soundbite] CHO HYUN-BIN(PUSAN NAT'L UNIV.) : "It means connecting streams to help salmon migrate upwards easily. Efforts are needed to improve the environment of their habitats for breeding and growing."

More schools of salmon were also found in the Nakdonggang River and Milyanggang River last month. They were also spotted in streams in other southern cities, such as Ulsan and Busan, following improved water quality.