Government Steps Up Crackdown on Illegal Chinese Fishing Boats Near the West Sea NLL... Forced Removal of Illegal Gear, Additional Artificial Structures and Special Patrol Vessels Deployed

[Financial News] The government has unveiled a comprehensive, whole-of-government plan to respond to illegal fishing by foreign vessels in waters near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea. The plan calls for stronger enforcement against anchored vessels, forced removal of illegal gear, installation of artificial structures, deployment of new special patrol vessels, diplomatic cooperation, and the use of economic sanctions to strengthen deterrence against foreign fishing activity near the NLL.
On the 27th, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification (MOU), the Ministry of National Defense, and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) announced the measures under the title 'Response Measures for Illegal Fishing by Foreign Vessels in the West Sea NLL.'
The West Sea NLL area is a zone where foreign vessels are prohibited from fishing. However, because it is also an area densely packed with military forces from both Koreas, some foreign vessels have continued illegal fishing by exploiting the fact that South Korean enforcement is partially restricted.
On the 11th, the KCG, the Navy, the MOF, and local governments deployed a total of 31 enforcement vessels and carried out an operation against foreign fishing boats staying for long periods near Yeonpyeong Island. The operation led to the seizure of eight Chinese fishing boats and the expulsion of 24 others.
The government plans to strengthen enforcement activities and capabilities to curb such illegal fishing.
First, it will intensify crackdowns in waters south of the NLL, where foreign fishing is prohibited.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support KCG enforcement against activities such as mooring, anchoring, and supplying ship provisions in territorial waters by revising the Enforcement Decree of the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone Act. The Ministry of National Defense plans to simplify information-sharing procedures, including joint military-police situation assessments and the provision of evidence materials, to support field enforcement such as surveillance and border monitoring.
The government also plans to strengthen deterrence against illegal fishing by forcibly removing illegal gear and installing artificial structures.
Starting in September, the MOF will deploy one decommissioned fishing vessel and two private removal vessels to clear illegal gear installed south of the NLL. It also plans to install additional artificial structures in areas where illegal foreign vessels frequently appear, creating conditions that make fishing operations difficult for them.
The enforcement capabilities of the Five West Sea Islands Guard Unit, which is dedicated to cracking down on illegal foreign vessels near the NLL, will also be further strengthened. The government plans to expand equipment and personnel by deploying two new special patrol vessels to the unit and establishing a new special suppression team in Baengnyeong, following the teams already operating in Yeonpyeong and Daecheongdo Island.
It will also work to establish a system for cracking down on and punishing illegal foreign fishing vessels based on diplomatic communication.
The MOF plans to urge Chinese authorities to implement the agreements reached by the Korea-China Fisheries Joint Committee. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also press China to step up enforcement efforts and, through diplomatic missions, raise awareness in China of domestic legal revisions and punishment cases. The MOU will promote cooperation measures, including the creation of a peace zone, to help secure peace in the West Sea and establish fishing order.
The government said it will step up enforcement under this response plan starting in September, when the autumn blue crab fishing season begins.
Hwang Jong-woo, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "Based on close cooperation among the relevant ministries, we will respond firmly to illegal fishing by foreign vessels near the West Sea NLL and do our utmost to protect our marine resources and secure fishermen's right to fish."
[email protected] Kim Jun-hyuk Reporter