Gyeonggi-do Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Fishing

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is launching an intensive crackdown on illegal fishing in fishing restricted areas.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 12th that, in response to the peak fishing season, from the 19th of this month to the 13th of next month, it will conduct joint crackdowns with the Coast Guard and city/counties on illegal fishing activities in the coastal areas of Hwaseong, Ansan, Siheung, Pyeongtaek, and the fishing restricted zones of Sihwa Lake.

The crackdown targets include ▲ violations of fishing restriction standards ▲ violations of fishing vessel safety operation obligations such as not wearing life jackets ▲ boarding beyond capacity ▲ illegal fishing activities in fishing restricted areas.

The prohibited catch sizes for major species are flatfish (Gwang-eo) under 35 cm, rockfish (Ureok) under 23 cm, and sea bass under 30 cm.

The crackdown areas include major fishing zones during the peak season such as near Gukhwado and Ipado in Hwaseong City, near Bangameori in Ansan City, near Palmido in Siheung City, and areas around Sihwa Lake designated as fishing restricted zones under the Fishing Management and Promotion Act.

The province will impose administrative measures and fines according to the Fishing Management and Promotion Act and the Water Leisure Safety Act upon detection.

Earlier, from June 19 to July 24, the province conducted the first joint crackdown on illegal fishing activities, detecting a total of five illegal fishing cases, including three violations of fishing restriction standards and two violations of fishing restricted zones.

Kim Seong-gon, head of the Marine Fisheries Division of the province, said, "With the recent rapid increase in the fishing population and growing demand for outdoor activities, preventing safety accidents in advance is important," adding, "We plan to conduct effective crackdowns jointly with city/counties and the Coast Guard by supporting coastal rescue boats."

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