Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea-China Joint Surveillance of Illegal Fishing by Chinese Vessels

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 20th that from the 21st to the 27th, for one week, South Korean and Chinese fishery patrol vessels will conduct joint operations against illegal fishing vessels in the Korea-China provisional measure waters.

The fishery patrol vessels participating in this joint inspection are the Mugunghwa 35, belonging to the West Sea Fisheries Management Unit of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the 6307 vessel of the Beihai Branch of the China Coast Guard. These patrol vessels will carry out missions to ensure the safe operation of Chinese fishing vessels and to enforce regulations against illegal fishing.

Through this joint inspection between the two countries, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to actively share information on illegal fishing activities by Chinese vessels with the Chinese government and request that the Chinese government take more proactive measures to eradicate illegal fishing by Chinese vessels.

Im Taeho, Director of the Guidance and Negotiation Division at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, “To preemptively block illegal fishing by Chinese vessels within the Korea-China provisional measure waters, we are strengthening enforcement along with diplomatic responses. Moving forward, we will continue to cooperate with Chinese authorities to protect our marine resources and the interests of fishermen.”