Jeonnam Province to Conduct Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Fishing Throughout May

Strengthened Guidance on Fishing Activities During the Spawning Season for Marine Life

Jeonnam Province will conduct joint crackdowns on illegal fishing in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries throughout May. Photo by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province announced that, in response to the spring spawning season for marine life, it will conduct a nationwide joint crackdown on illegal fishing throughout May. This initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, local cities and counties, and other relevant agencies, with the aim of preventing illegal fishing in advance and creating safe working conditions for fishermen.

Fifteen fisheries guidance vessels from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the province, and local cities and counties will be deployed to high-risk waters to strengthen guidance and crackdowns on persistent illegal fishing activities. In addition, fisheries management officials from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Jeonnam Province will participate in cross-boarding operations to share enforcement information and improve the efficiency of guidance and crackdowns.

The main targets of the crackdown include illegal operations by unlicensed and unregistered fishing vessels, unauthorized seaweed and shellfish aquaculture, illegal capture of juvenile fish, and the use of modified fishing gear?activities that undermine fisheries order.

Individuals caught engaging in illegal fishing during the crackdown will be subject to legal action in accordance with fisheries-related laws. Administrative measures such as suspension of fishing operations and revocation of fishing licenses will also be imposed on the vessels involved.

Additionally, to promote a culture of legal compliance among fishermen, Jeonnam Province plans to conduct effective on-site guidance and publicity. This will include direct communication with fishermen at major ports and fish markets, guidance on legal fishing practices, and efforts to block the distribution and sale of illegally caught marine products.

An official from Jeonnam Province stated, "The indiscriminate use of fisheries resources ultimately harms fishermen themselves," and added, "We hope that fishermen will actively cooperate in establishing a safe fishing culture by voluntarily complying with relevant laws and regulations."