Jeonnam Province and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Conduct Joint Crackdown on Illegal Fishing

Deployment of Fisheries Patrol Vessels to Prevent Illegal Fishing Activities in Advance
Strengthening Guidance and Crackdown Measures

Jeonnam Province, together with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and frontline city and county offices, has launched a joint crackdown on illegal fishing during the autumn season. The photo shows the inspection of unlicensed kimbal installation.
[Photo by Jeonnam Province]

Jeollanam-do announced on the 2nd that it will conduct a nationwide simultaneous joint crackdown on illegal fishing throughout October in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, local city and county governments, and other related organizations.

Autumn is a crucial period when fishing vessel activities increase and seaweed (Gim) farming facilities are actively installed. To prevent illegal fishing activities in advance, 18 fishery patrol vessels from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Jeonnam Province, and city and county governments will be deployed in the Wooshin sea area to strengthen guidance and enforcement.

The main targets of the crackdown are illegal fishing activities that disrupt fishery order, such as unauthorized and unregistered fishing vessels, unlicensed aquaculture facility installations, illegal capture of juvenile fish, and the use of modified fishing gear.

In particular, due to the recent rise in Gim prices, it is judged that unlicensed Gim farming facilities may be indiscriminately installed. Therefore, related agencies plan to conduct focused inspections and swift administrative enforcement to completely block illegal facilities.

Additionally, to promote a culture of law-abiding fishing among fishermen, guidance and inspections on the distribution and sale of illegal catch will be conducted at major local ports, harbors, and auction sites, along with publicity to prevent illegal fishing.

Jeon Chang-woo, head of the Eco-friendly Fisheries Division of Jeonnam Province, stated, “We plan to strengthen guidance and enforcement to protect law-abiding fishermen by establishing fishery order,” and urged, “We ask fishermen to voluntarily participate in law-abiding fishing and comply with safety operation rules.”