South Korea to deploy patrol vessels to West Sea, EEZ in October crackdown on Chinese illegal fishing

South Korea will concentrate its national fisheries patrol vessels in waters around the five West Sea islands and along the exclusive economic zone boundary — areas where illegal fishing by Chinese vessels is a persistent concern. Authorities will also step up enforcement against domestic fishing boats violating zone restrictions, closed seasons and minimum catch-size rules.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Wednesday it will launch a month-long "autumn illegal fishing joint crackdown" starting Thursday, led by fisheries management units covering the East, West and South seas in cooperation with local governments and the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives.

With peak fishing season for major autumn species driving a surge in activity at sea, the ministry said it will concentrate enforcement resources according to the fishing characteristics and types of illegal activity specific to each maritime zone.

Patrol vessels will be particularly concentrated in high-risk areas for Chinese illegal fishing, including waters around the five West Sea islands and the EEZ boundary. Vessels caught operating without a license or in violation of permit conditions will be dealt with under relevant laws.

For domestic fishing boats, inspectors will focus on compliance with designated fishing zones, prohibited periods and minimum size limits. Minor or technical violations will be addressed on the spot through guidance and warnings, while deliberate or repeat offenses — and serious violations that damage fishery resources — will be handled according to the law.

Safety inspections will run alongside the enforcement operations. Inspectors will check whether crew members are wearing life jackets while fishing and verify that key onboard equipment is present and functioning. Fishers will also be briefed on the scene on the key provisions and compliance requirements of the Sustainable Coastal and Offshore Fisheries Development Act, which takes effect June 17 next year.

"We will concentrate the enforcement capabilities of relevant agencies during the autumn peak fishing season to respond firmly to illegal fishing and further strengthen on-site safety management," said Kim In-kyung, the ministry's fisheries resources policy director. "We also ask fishers to voluntarily comply with fisheries laws and join efforts to protect fishery resources and establish a culture of safe fishing."