Collective Intrusion by Chinese Fishing Boats Increases by 240%... Coast Guard "Resuming Capture Operations, Strong Crackdown"

340 Vessels Invade West Sea in One Day... 7,196 Vessels Expelled This Month

The Coast Guard is cracking down on Chinese fishing vessels that have collectively intruded into our waters in the West Sea.
[Photo by Korea Coast Guard]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Recently, there has been a sharp increase in large-scale Chinese fishing vessels collectively intruding into our waters in the West Sea for illegal fishing.

The Korea Coast Guard announced on the 24th that, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it had been conducting non-contact enforcement focused on expelling Chinese fishing vessels, but has now resumed seizure operations to carry out stronger crackdowns.

According to the Coast Guard, the number of Chinese fishing vessels collectively intruding into our waters in the West Sea this month has reached about 340 vessels per day, an increase of approximately 240% compared to about 100 vessels per day during the same period last year. The Coast Guard has operated a mobile task force three times this month alone, expelling a total of 7,196 vessels (including those in the East Sea).

However, as the collective intrusion of Chinese fishing vessels continues, a cooperative meeting was held on the 22nd with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Navy at the intergovernmental level to eradicate illegal fishing by foreign vessels.

The Coast Guard has prepared enforcement measures such as wearing protective suits to resume seizure operations while adhering to COVID-19 prevention guidelines, and discussed tactical plans by type for new forms of illegal fishing such as boarding obstruction, deciding to conduct joint enforcement with related agencies.

In particular, from inspection and search of illegal foreign fishing vessels to seizure, escort, and investigation, the Coast Guard has thoroughly implemented COVID-19 response procedures throughout the enforcement process, and has completed consultations with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency to prevent the domestic introduction of infectious diseases from seized vessels and crew members.

Kim Honghee, Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard, stated, "Although the COVID-19 crisis continues and conditions are difficult, we plan to strongly crack down on illegal foreign fishing vessels to protect maritime sovereignty and fishery resources."