Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Pay 11.8 Billion KRW in Direct Payments to 368 Islands and Border Areas This Year

75,000 KRW Support Per Fisherman
Joint Fund Contribution Reduced from 30% to 20%

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] On the 25th, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that it will pay a total of 11.8 billion KRW in 'Disadvantaged Condition Direct Payments' this year to 368 areas nationwide where fishing productivity is low due to harsh environmental conditions or where fishing is restricted due to border proximity.

The areas include 368 islands and border regions belonging to nine local governments such as Gimpo-si in Gyeonggi-do, Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun in Incheon, and Goseong-gun in Gangwon-do.

The payment amount per fisherman was set at 750,000 KRW, an increase of 50,000 KRW compared to last year.

To receive the direct payment, the annual seafood sales must exceed 1.2 million KRW or there must be a record of fishing activity for more than 60 days.

Fishermen receiving the direct payment are required to contribute to the village community fund.

The government has relaxed the regulation that required at least 30% of the direct payment to be contributed to the community fund, reducing it to 20% starting this year.

Fishermen who wish to apply for the direct payment can submit documents to the local eup/myeon/dong office through the village management committee.