This study is aimed to analyze fishermen’s perception and the economic feasibility of inland waters ranching project on the branches of Geum River. Analysis of fishermen’s perception on the branches of Geum River showed that fishermen had an affirmative response on the inland freshwater ranching project related issues such as fisheries resources enhancement, necessity of project, economic achievement as so on. The model of inland waters ranching project on the branches of Geum River is designed to fisheries resources enhancement, habitat compositiom, ecology tours, use and management of resources. The results of the economic feasibility of inland waters ranching project on the branches of Geum River were internal rate of return (IRR) was 18.43%, a benefit-cost ratio was shown to be 1.54, net present value (NPV) was 4,929 thousand won, which indicates the economic feasibility of inland waters ranching project.
This study indicates that 84.5% of fishermen have perceived climate change and 74.9% of fishermen have responded that frequency and intensity of the impacts of climate change are increasing. The results of regression analysis have shown that the level of fishermen experiencing the impacts of climate change differs according to individual’s characteristics including age, length of experience, sea area (fishing area) and types of fisheries.
About half of the respondents have shown that they are not taking any actions against the effects of climate change. The main reasons are that they either have lack of knowledge on how to respond to the impacts of climate change or have the perception that climate change is irresistible. The majority of respondents have responded that they are not aware of the government’s climate change policy and emphasized that it is necessary to have effective countermeasures strengthening the provision of information about climate change policy.
The result of perception survey have highlighted that it is essential for the government and the fishermen to share relevant information and to consider method of cooperation.