Mokpo Coast Guard Seizes Chinese Fishing Vessel for Illegal Fishing

Mokpo Coast Guard is inspecting a net smaller than the Mangmok regulation. ⓒ Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] A Chinese fishing vessel was seized by the Coast Guard for illegal fishing using nets denser than regulations within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to Mokpo Coast Guard on the 29th, at around 5 p.m. the previous day, the Chinese fishing vessel A (98 tons, purse seine, 15 crew members) was seized 111 km southwest of Gageodo, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do for violating mesh size regulations.

The seized vessel A is suspected of illegally capturing fish using nets with a mesh size of 39.3 mm, smaller than the regulated 50 mm, to catch more fish.

The Mokpo Coast Guard plans to transfer the captain and crew of the seized vessel A to the Mokpo exclusive pier for COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures, followed by further investigation into the violation charges.

Chief Im Jae-su stated, “We will strengthen crackdowns not only on unauthorized acts by foreign fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing but also on violations of restrictions by authorized vessels, doing our best to protect our fishermen and marine resources.”