Jeonnam Assembly Member Jung Gilsu Urges Improvements to Fishing Vessel Reduction Program and Budget Expansion

"Practical Support Measures Needed
to Reflect the Hardships of Fishermen"

Jung Gilsu, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Muan 1), announced on the 23rd that he strongly urged for improvements to the "fishing vessel reduction program" and an increase in its budget during the 392nd extraordinary session's work report by the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Bureau. He emphasized that these measures are necessary to support fishermen who are struggling due to climate change and the depletion of fishery resources.

Jung stated, "Recently, many fishermen have experienced a decrease in income due to climate change and the depletion of fishery resources, leading them to hope for fishing vessel reduction." He highlighted the difficult reality faced by fishermen.

Jung Gilsu, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member.

He continued, "However, because the current fishing vessel reduction program calculates closure compensation based on the average income of the past three years, fishermen who are experiencing greater difficulties in their business end up receiving inadequate compensation. This creates an unfair situation."

Jung criticized the current system, saying, "The current system lacks fairness and fails to provide appropriate compensation, resulting in cases where fishermen give up on applying for support." He stressed the need to establish more practical and equitable support measures that reflect the hardships faced by fishermen.

Jung also added, "While requesting the central government to improve the system and expand the budget, Jeonnam Province should also consider prioritizing support for elderly fishermen or those with low incomes who are considering retirement."

In response, Park Youngchae, Director of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Bureau, replied, "We will do our best to establish a nationwide average-based model that reflects the reality of fishermen, improve the system, and secure the necessary budget." It appears that additional measures are needed to address climate change and protect fishermen in Jeonnam Province.