"Do Not Catch Small Crabs in the Mudflats"... Up to 30 Million KRW Fine for Capturing Marine Protected Species

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] On the 23rd, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries introduced 12 marine protected species selected as the 'Marine Organism of the Month' for this year and urged special attention to the protection of marine protected species.

According to the "Act on the Conservation and Management of Marine Ecosystems," the Ministry designates marine organisms whose populations have rapidly declined due to human activities or that have high protection value and require special protection at the national level as "marine protected species" and manages them. Currently, a total of 80 species are designated as marine protected species, and capturing, collecting, damaging, or possessing them without separate permission may result in imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won according to relevant laws.

To raise awareness of marine protected species, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is promoting policies such as holding marine organism content contests and producing commemorative postage stamp series for marine protected species. As part of this, it selects and announces the 'Marine Organism of the Month' every month. ▲In January, the sea bird with decorative feathers growing like horns, the "Ppulsweori" ▲In February, the "Gingaji Haesong," resembling a beautiful pine tree underwater ▲In March, the smiling whale "Sanggwaengi" ▲In April, the sand cleaner "Uiyeomtong Sea Urchin" ▲In May, the marine organism's habitat "Pogigeomeorimal" ▲In June, the Dokdo sea lion "Gangchi" ▲In July, the little mudflat cleaner "Nunkongge" ▲In August, the underwater spiritual creature "Pureun Badagyeobuk" (Green Sea Turtle) ▲In September, the golden-hued "Miripi Bunji Dolsanho" coral ▲In October, the "Cheongdari Doyosachon," similar to the blue-legged sandpiper ▲In November, the splendid sea flower "Jasaek Suji Maendraemi" ▲In December, the fast swimmer "Chamgorae" (Bryde's Whale) were introduced as the marine organisms of the month.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries urged special caution not only for the 12 marine organisms of the month this year but also for less noticeable marine protected species such as small sea crabs. Recently, as the number of people visiting mudflats for experiences and tourism has increased, there is a higher possibility of indiscriminate capture and collection of small marine organisms that are difficult for the general public to distinguish, such as mudflat crabs, red-footed fiddler crabs, white-footed mud crabs, and two-toothed square crabs.

Lee Jae-young, head of the Marine Ecology Division at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "Although small sea crabs designated as marine protected species are small in size, they play an important role in filtering organic matter in the sand and purifying the mudflats," adding, "Regardless of size, all marine protected species deserve to be protected, so we ask the public to take special interest."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.