More than 3,000 fishers pledge to protect marine resources
Park Wan-su vows to push marine environment improvements
262 communities, about 9,500 people take part across South Gyeongsang Province
South Gyeongsang Province held the 12th South Gyeongsang Province Self-Managed Fisheries Rally at Goseong-gun General Stadium on Friday.
More than 3,000 people attended, including self-managed fishers and their families as well as fisheries industry officials from across the province, all pledging to protect marine resources and pursue sustainable development of fishing communities. South Gyeongsang Province Governor Park Wan-su, Goseong-gun Mayor Ha Hak-yeol, South Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly Agriculture, Marine and Fisheries Committee Chairman Lee Gyeong-jae, Goseong-gun Council Speaker Jeong Yeong-hwan and Korea Self-Managed Fisheries South Gyeongsang Province Federation Chairman Kim San also attended.
Held under the theme "A sea we protect ourselves, a prosperous future we open together," the event alternates between a national rally and a provincial one, making it a biennial gathering at each level.
In his congratulatory remarks, Governor Park said self-managed fishers are the driving force behind protecting the sea even amid difficult conditions — including declining marine resources due to climate change and an aging population in fishing communities. "The voluntary cleanup of fishing grounds and the establishment of fishing order by fishers are what create a healthy sea and vibrant fishing villages," he said.
Park added that the province would support the stable operation of self-managed fisheries communities and actively pursue the development of smart aquaculture, disaster prevention, marine resource cultivation and improvements to the marine environment, so that fishers can focus on their livelihoods with peace of mind.
The event opened with a pre-ceremony performance, followed by commendations for those who have contributed to the advancement of self-managed fisheries and the protection of marine resources. Three people received citations from the minister of oceans and fisheries and nine received citations from the governor, along with additional commendations from other agencies. Fisher representatives Hwang Hui-seong and Kim Na-hyeon read a resolution pledging to eliminate illegal fishing, improve fishing ground management and advance business practices.
The self-managed fisheries system was established in 2002 when fishers drew up a set of rules to manage marine resources and fishing grounds. In South Gyeongsang Province, 262 communities with about 9,500 members participate in the program.
South Gyeongsang Province plans to strengthen the program by shifting its support framework to focus on evaluating community activities.
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