Jeju Coast Guard Cheong Cracks Down on Illegal Trawling and Purse Seine Fishing Vessels

From December 7 to March 31, 2021

Jeju Regional Coast Guard Headquarters

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters (Jeju) Reporter Hwang Jeongpil] The Jeju Regional Maritime Police Agency (Chief Kim Seongjong) announced on the 2nd that it will conduct crackdowns on illegal trawl and purse seine fishing vessels from December 7th to March 31st, 2021, to prevent depletion of fishery resources caused by illegal fishing.

During this crackdown period, the agency will focus on ▲ trawl-style fishing by purse seines ▲ fishing activities invading prohibited fishing zones ▲ use of fishing gear without permission and loading of prohibited fishing gear ▲ fishing activities after concealing vessel names to evade illegal fishing crackdowns ▲ violations of mesh size regulations.

In particular, stronger crackdowns will be implemented against vessels engaging in so-called "hit-and-run" illegal fishing by turning off location transmitters and invading prohibited fishing zones during weather warnings or dark nights.

A Jeju Maritime Police Agency official stated, "Illegal fishing by trawl and purse seine vessels during bad weather or dark nights can lead to serious safety accidents such as vessel capsizing, causing significant damage," and added, "We plan to form a crackdown team to strongly enforce against illegal activities."