Coast Guard Headquarters to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Fishing by Foreign Vessels During Spawning Season Until the 15th

The Coast Guard is cracking down on Chinese fishing vessels conducting illegal fishing in our waters.
[Photo by Korea Coast Guard]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The Korea Coast Guard will conduct a special crackdown for one week starting from the 9th to eradicate illegal fishing by foreign vessels, which has been increasing recently in the West Sea during the fishing season.

According to the Coast Guard on the 8th, since last month, foreign vessels have resumed fishing in the West Sea, with about 400 to 500 vessels operating daily within the Korea-China provisional fishing zone. Some vessels have been found to form fleets and intrude into Korean waters at night or during bad weather.

In particular, various forms of illegal fishing have been observed, such as unauthorized vessels disguised as those permitted to fish in Korean waters, installing obstacles like wire nets to interfere with enforcement, and hit-and-run tactics using high-speed outboard motor boats separated from motherships.

The Coast Guard is strengthening patrols at major entry points and fishing areas of illegal foreign fishing vessels based on aerial intelligence and is proactively deploying patrol ships to block illegal entry into Korean waters.

Especially, until the 15th, a special enforcement mobile unit composed of four large vessels will be operated to carry out the special crackdown.

The enforcement mobile unit will strictly respond to violating vessels, including seizure, while complying with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Vessels committing serious violations such as unauthorized fishing, territorial sea intrusion, and obstruction of official duties will be fined and handed over directly to the Chinese Coast Guard to ensure dual penalties from both countries.

A Korea Coast Guard official stated, "The number of foreign vessels permitted to fish in our waters is increasing every year, and illegal fishing activities continue around the border areas of the West Sea. We will strive to eradicate illegal fishing through this special crackdown to protect our marine resources and prevent damage to fishermen."

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