Mokpo Coast Guard Arrests Chinese Fishing Vessel Violating Restrictions in EEZ

Suspected of Fishing in Our Waters Without Reporting Engine Output Changes

Mokpo Coast Guard is conducting an inspection on a Chinese fishing vessel that violated restrictions using a patrol boat. ⓒ Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Mokpo Maritime Police Station (Chief Im Jae-su) announced on the 2nd that a Chinese fishing vessel that changed its engine power but failed to report it while fishing in South Korea's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was seized by the maritime police.

On the 1st at around 3:10 PM, a Chinese fishing vessel A (64t, purse seine, 10 crew members) was seized for fishing without submitting a report of changes to the details recorded on the fishing activity permit, 72 km southwest off Gageodo, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Chinese fishing vessels permitted to fish within South Korea's EEZ must submit a report of changes to the permit details to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries if they change the vessel's tonnage or engine power within the allowed limits of the fishing conditions.

Investigation revealed that vessel A changed the engine power recorded on the fishing permit from 150 horsepower to 372 horsepower but did not submit the required change report and continued fishing in South Korean waters.

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

A Mokpo maritime police official stated, “As the fishing season approaches, the number of Chinese fishing vessels is increasing,” adding, “We will strengthen inspections and searches in the EEZ and strictly punish any illegal activities discovered.”