Gang Arrested for Illegal Capture of High-Value Fish Species in Jeju

Diving equipment used for illegal capture of premium fish species in Jeju. (Photo by Jeju Coast Guard)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters (Jeju) Reporter Hwang Jeongpil] A total of nine people, including Mr. A and six others who illegally caught high-grade fish species such as Dagumbari and sea cucumbers using diving equipment and spearguns in Jeju, as well as two restaurant owners who purchased and sold the caught fish species, have been booked on charges including violation of the Fisheries Act.

According to the Jeju Regional Coast Guard on the 18th, four people including Mr. A were caught in April near the waters off Seogwipo City for illegally catching about 100kg of fish species including Dagumbari using diving equipment and spearguns.

Additionally, three people including Mr. B were also caught for illegally catching 70kg of sea cucumbers in March while wearing diving equipment.

They organized the illegal catch by dividing roles such as catching and transporting to evade coast guard crackdowns, and it was confirmed that some of the caught fish were sold to sashimi restaurants.

A Jeju Coast Guard official said, "We will strengthen crackdowns on chronic and organized illegal activities that indiscriminately catch high-grade fish species along the coast, and cooperate with local governments regarding illegal night fishing and other activities."