This study aimed to propose a direction for the cold chain operation of fishery wholesale markets by installing temperature and humidity measurement devices within the market. The spatial scope of the study was the Boryeong Fisheries Cooperative Wholesale Market, and the temporal scope covered temperature measurements taken at 10-minute intervals over 24 hours from August 15 to December 13, 2024. The analysis revealed that the internal temperature of the wholesale market exhibited seasonal characteristics, allowing classification into three groups: a high-temperature summer group with an average temperature of 26.9°C, a stable autumn group with an average temperature of 17.4°C, and a low-temperature winter group with an average temperature of 8.14°C. Additionally, when examined in three-hour intervals, the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures ranged from a minimum of 5°C to a maximum of 13°C. These findings suggest that the internal temperature of the wholesale market reflects seasonal patterns, indicating a need for operational staff to implement low-temperature management manuals tailored to each season. Given that fisheries cooperatives operate the wholesale market, improving the temperature management manuals of the cooperatives and establishing standardized seasonal temperature management guidelines are necessary.

This study aims to propose operational strategies for temperature management in wholesale fish markets, the first stage of the seafood distribution structure, in light of the increasing consumption of seafood and the government's strategy to revitalize the seafood consumption market. To identify areas for improvement in efficient cold chain management at wholesale markets, an analysis was conducted based on a survey assessing the importance and satisfaction levels among industry stakeholders. The survey results highlighted key reinforcement factors, such as ensuring the separation and safety of workspaces, securing low-temperature auction facilities, improving outdated wholesale market infrastructure, and raising workers' awareness of quality and hygiene management. Priority improvement areas included enhancing hygiene-related facilities, standardizing and regulating equipment, establishing temperature monitoring and management systems, implementing government policies for hygiene improvement in wholesale markets, and providing subsidies. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a reference for the adoption of seafood cold chain policies.

A study was conducted to determine contamination status of fish sold at wholesale market in Seoul. A total of 79 samples (35 different kindry fish) were collected from the wholesale market. E. coli and coliform group bacteria were cultured and tested for sensitivity against antibiotics. The results are summarized as follows; 1. E. coli was isolated from 23 out of 79 samples (29.1%), and coliform groups from 53 out of 79 (67.1%). 2. Of coliform group, Citrobacter freundii was the most common and Enterobacter cloacae was the next. 3. 23 E. coli strains isolated from fishes were resistant to Oxacillin, Erythromycin and Lincomycin, meanwhile 23 E. coli strains were sensitive to Cefoperazone, Ceftazidime, Imipenem, and Ciprofloxacin.