Visit to West Sea 5 Islands Special Guard Unit Vessel 3005 on May 11
Orders Strict Law Enforcement Against Illegal Fishing
On May 11, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Jooho, who is serving as Acting President, inspected the site of illegal fishing operations in the West Sea and ordered a strong response.
According to the Ministry of Education, Acting President Lee visited the 3005 vessel of the West Sea 5 Islands Special Guard Unit, located in Jung-gu, Incheon, on this day. There, he received a briefing from the Commissioner General of the Korea Coast Guard on the current status of crackdowns on illegal fishing by foreign vessels within the Northern Limit Line (NLL) and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Sea.
Acting President Lee commended the Korea Coast Guard for its recent achievements in expelling and blocking foreign vessels engaged in illegal fishing through special crackdowns. He also instructed the Coast Guard to further strengthen enforcement efforts to minimize damage to local fishermen in the future.
He stated, "The West Sea 5 Islands and the surrounding waters are directly connected not only to the livelihoods of fishermen but also to national security. I would like to express my deep gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the Korea Coast Guard, who serve without hesitation in these harsh maritime conditions."
He also said, "I ask that you respond firmly to foreign vessels engaged in illegal fishing that devastate our domestic fishery resources, and that you do your utmost to protect the public from maritime disasters and accidents."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
