Jeongeup City to Intensively Crack Down on Illegal Fishing Until June 20

Up to 2 Years in Prison or Fines Up to 20 Million Won

Jeongeup City in North Jeolla Province has designated a period of intensive guidance and crackdown on illegal fishing until June 20, and will conduct enforcement activities in cooperation with relevant agencies and private organizations.

According to the city on May 29, this crackdown was launched to protect inland water fisheries resources and establish sound fishing order, as the number of anglers and outdoor visitors increases during this season.

Jeongeup City Hall exterior view. Provided by Jeongeup City

This intensive crackdown will be carried out not only through the operation of the city's own enforcement teams, but also through joint crackdowns in cooperation with relevant agencies and private organizations.

The crackdown targets violations of the ban on harmful fishing methods such as the use of explosives, toxic substances, or electric currents in inland waters, as well as unlicensed or unreported fishing activities. In addition, illegal fishing activities such as capturing or collecting aquatic animals and plants using motorized boats, scuba diving equipment, casting nets, or spears will also be strictly monitored.

Those caught engaging in illegal fishing activities may be subject to imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won under the relevant regulations of the Inland Water Fisheries Act, so special caution is required.

The city plans to focus not only on strong enforcement but also on preventive activities. During the intensive crackdown period, extensive publicity campaigns will be conducted to prevent violations caused by lack of awareness about illegal fishing activities.

To this end, the city will actively post promotional posters and banners informing the public about the ban on illegal fishing activities in areas frequently visited by anglers and recreational fishers.

Goh Yuhwa, head of the Agricultural and Fisheries Distribution Division, stated, "We will continue our enforcement activities until illegal fishing is completely eradicated in order to protect the valuable fisheries resources of inland waters and establish fishing order," adding, "We will do our utmost through this inspection to ensure that fishing order is properly established and a sound recreational fishing culture takes root."