Yeongdeok County to Intensively Crack Down on Sweetfish Capture During Spawning Season in September and October

Yeongdeok County in North Gyeongsang Province will conduct intensive crackdowns on the capture of golden sweetfish, a local specialty, from September 1 to October 31 in order to protect the species.

This measure is based on Article 21-2 of the Inland Water Fisheries Act, which prohibits the capture of sweetfish during their spawning season. Violators may face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Yeongdeok County, Intensive Guidance and Crackdown on Prohibition of Capturing Sweetfish During Spawning Season in September and October.

To actively publicize the prohibition period, Yeongdeok County will display banners along major rivers such as the Osipcheon and Songcheon, and will carry out guidance and enforcement activities in key inland water areas where sweetfish inhabit.

In particular, the county plans to simultaneously crack down not only on illegal capture but also on overall violations of the Inland Water Fisheries Act, including the use of illegal fishing gear, electric currents, and toxic substances.

County Governor Kim Kwangyeol stated, "The golden sweetfish is a representative local fish species, and we have made significant efforts to preserve it, including releasing millions of juveniles over the years." He added, "As capturing is strictly prohibited during the spawning season in September and October, we ask for your active cooperation in protecting fishery resources."

In March of this year, Yeongdeok County released approximately 200,000 golden sweetfish juveniles into the Osipcheon River as part of its efforts to increase inland fishery resources and protect the ecological environment.