Megaplan cracks mackerel farming, aims to make fish affordable

(Lee Ho-joon)

South Korean startup Megaplan has successfully developed a year-round artificial spawning system for mackerel, paving the way for mass aquaculture that could eventually bring prices down to just 1,000 won ($0.70) per fish. The company aims to stabilize supply, lower market prices, and even export its technology to overseas markets.

At Megaplan’s 4,000-square-meter fish farm in Pyoseon, Jeju Island, 22 tanks hold mackerel ranging from newly hatched fry to nearly market-sized fish. “Mackerel grow faster than flatfish and have higher market value, so the business potential is enormous,” said Dave Yu, CEO of Megaplan. “We plan to raise about 400,000 mackerel next year and supply restaurants at 10,000 won per fish — about one-third of the current price.”

Once known as Korea’s “national fish” for its affordability, mackerel has become a luxury item due to abnormal climate conditions and plummeting catches. A single 500-gram salted mackerel now retails for around 10,000 won, while fresh mackerel for sashimi costs between 30,000 and 60,000 won — up to three times more expensive than flatfish.

Founded in 2019, Megaplan succeeded in developing artificial fertilization and hatching technology that allows continuous breeding throughout the year. Using AI and IoT systems, the company can precisely control temperature, light, water quality, and fish health to induce spawning 365 days a year — a feat impossible in the wild, where mackerel only spawn from March to June.

Megaplan achieved its first commercial shipment of first-generation artificially spawned mackerel earlier this year and was selected for the TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup) by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. It plans to open an additional fish farm in South Gyeongsang Province, build a nationwide distribution network, and expand into markets such as Japan and Southeast Asia.

Yu, a former Samsung Heavy Industries engineer with more than a decade of experience in marine architecture and special vessel design, applied his expertise in ocean climate analysis and depth control to create the aquaculture system.

“Our goal is to make mackerel available for 1,000 won per fish,” Yu said. “We also aim to succeed in farming other species like red sea bream and flatfish, contributing to global food security and sustainability.”