Special crackdown on illegal fishing launched at Busan Port as the autumn peak fishing season begins

[Financial News] A special crackdown on illegal fishing will be carried out at Busan Port as the autumn peak fishing season gets underway.
The Busan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 16th that it will conduct a special crackdown on illegal fishing for about two weeks, from the 19th through the 2nd of next month, in a joint operation with relevant agencies.
The crackdown is being launched amid concerns that marine accidents could increase as fishing activity intensifies during the autumn peak season, with fishing gear being set around shipping lanes and anchorages and fishing vessels encroaching on shipping lanes. The East Sea Fisheries Management Service, Busan City, the Busan Coast Guard Station and the Changwon Coast Guard Station are among the agencies taking part in the joint crackdown.
The main targets are illegal fishing near shipping lanes and anchorages, the illegal installation of obstructions, and small vessels stopping in shipping lanes or crossing them without authorization.
The authorities plan to take strict action against violations, including imposing administrative fines or filing complaints, in accordance with the Act on the Arrival and Departure of Ships.
“Busan Port sees heavy traffic from a wide range of vessels, from large merchant ships to small fishing boats. That makes it important to eliminate hazards around shipping lanes and anchorages in advance,” said Heo Man-uk, chief of the Busan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries. “We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies and do our utmost to establish safe navigation practices.”
[email protected] Byeon Ok-hwan Reporter