Maritime Ministry and Local Authorities Launch Joint Crackdown on Illegal Fishing

In a concerted effort to protect its vital marine resources, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, in collaboration with regional governments and the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, is launching a joint crackdown on illegal fishing. This operation, commencing on April 15 and extending through May 15, is strategically timed to preempt the peak fishing season for Chinese vessels and the upcoming fishing moratorium.

The ministry anticipates a surge in illegal fishing attempts by Chinese vessels within South Korea's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as they intensify their operations before the official moratorium period begins in May. To counter this, the joint task force will deploy its resources to patrol these waters rigorously. The primary objective is to apprehend vessels engaged in illicit activities, with a zero-tolerance policy for such infringements.

While the focus will be on foreign vessels, domestic fishing operations will also be under scrutiny. However, considering the current economic hardships faced by local fishermen, particularly due to high fuel costs, the authorities will adopt a more lenient approach towards minor or unintentional violations. This measured response aims to support the majority of law-abiding fishermen while ensuring that deliberate acts that harm marine resources, such as overfishing or the capture of juvenile fish, are dealt with strictly according to the law. The goal is to maintain order in the fishing industry and safeguard the sustainability of marine ecosystems.