섬진강유역 강어로(江漁撈)의 문화적 의미- 강굴채취 어로방식과 의례의 변화를 대상으로－

Abstract

Ganggul(Crassostrea rivularis) lives in the brackish water zone where both freshwater and seawater pass and about 90% of overall production currently come from the Seomjin River. Its local name is ‘Beonggul’, ‘Beokgul’ or ‘Beotgul’. These names seem to come from its size, shape, or the time when it is best to eat. This study discusses how Ganggul is gathered in the Seomjin River, how the related rituals have changed, and how it has become a local specialty. Mangdeok Wharf used the wooden oyster tongs to gather the oysters for a long time, but people today mostly use a diving apparatus to gather Ganggul between December and April. Using a diving apparatus to gather Ganggul began about 40 years ago, but it was illegal at first. Then, it became legal about 10 years ago as village community gave permission to use a diving apparatus for fishing. This place was a good fishing ground for gizzard shad, so many ship owners performed rituals for the water king or good harvest. Today, however, community or individual rituals are rarely performed. The popular catch of Mangdeok Wharf includes marsh clams, gizzard shad, and Ganggul. However, it has not been long since oysters were first introduced as the popular catch of Mangdeok Wharf. Ganggul has been sold in the markets since the early 1980s. The role of public media is very important for a type of food to be known as native food. Ganggul of the Seomjin River were often seen on TV in the 2000s. They have become the signature catch of the region because of its biological conditions and regional image. The harvest of these oysters has decreased as the salinity level is increasing in the Seomjin River. Their habitat is also moving toward the upstream. People may learn of the traditional knowledge with the existence of Ganggul, but it is necessary to think about the effective use of this research in order to continue river fishing in relation to Ganggul.