Jeonnam Province Cracks Down on Illegal Glass Eel Fishing Targeting High Profits

Inspection of Unlicensed Operations Until April
Judicial and Administrative Actions for Violations

Jeollanam-do will intensively crack down on illegal glass eel fishing activities until April. Photo by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do announced on the 27th that, in response to the peak season for glass eel fishing, it will conduct intensive crackdowns on illegal glass eel capture until April in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, local cities and counties, and other relevant agencies, to protect marine resources and establish order in the fishing industry.

Because artificial seed production of glass eels is virtually impossible, the industry relies on wild capture. Every year, from February to April, illegal fishing activities aimed at high profits are rampant, especially along the west coast.

In particular, the indiscriminate installation of illegal glass eel anchovy nets has not only caused disputes with law-abiding fishermen but also threatened the safety of vessels navigating at night, resulting in continuous complaints and requests for enforcement.

In response, Jeollanam-do plans to focus on cracking down on unlicensed illegal fishing, fishing gear installed outside designated areas, failure to comply with fishing gear identification regulations, and intentional damage to vessel or fishing boat identification signs. Those caught will face judicial action as well as administrative penalties such as suspension or cancellation of fishing licenses.

Jeon Changwoo, Director of the Eco-friendly Fisheries Division of Jeollanam-do, emphasized, "We can no longer overlook the depletion of resources and disorder in the fishing industry caused by illegal capture," and stressed, "Voluntary compliance with lawful fishing practices by fishermen is urgently needed."