Coast Guard Launches Special Crackdown on Illegal Chinese Fishing Vessels During Blue Crab Season... 14 Seized This Year

The Korea Coast Guard announced that, with the official start of the blue crab fishing season, it will conduct a special crackdown on illegal Chinese fishing vessels in the West Sea and waters off Jeju from March 31 to April 11.

According to the Coast Guard, as of this month, up to 400 Chinese fishing vessels are present in the West Sea and the Provisional Measure Zone, and around 300 vessels are operating in the permitted fishing zone. This has raised concerns about the possibility of illegal fishing operations, especially during adverse weather conditions and nighttime hours.

The Coast Guard plans to implement strategic enforcement activities by deploying large patrol ships and aircraft to areas with high concentrations of fishing vessels and regions with frequent illegal activities. This approach aims to both reduce fuel consumption during the era of high oil prices and protect maritime sovereignty.

Crew members of Chinese fishing vessels are resisting the coast guard officers cracking down on illegal fishing. Provided by the Korea Coast Guard

Furthermore, in line with a recent measure that significantly raised the upper limit of security deposits paid by Chinese vessels for the release of boats and crew before trial from 40 million won to 200 million won, the Coast Guard intends to impose strict penalties on those engaged in illegal fishing operations.

The Coast Guard apprehended 66 Chinese fishing vessels in 2021, 42 in 2022, 54 in 2023, 46 in 2024, and 57 last year. As of the current date this year, 14 vessels have already been seized.

A Coast Guard official stated, "Although oil prices are rising sharply due to external factors such as the war in the Middle East, we will maintain a principle of zero tolerance and respond firmly to foreign fishing vessels committing illegal activities in our waters—without any exceptions."

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