South Korea raises fines on illegal fishing by foreign boats
· UPIApril 23 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's National Assembly passed a bill Thursday sharply increasing fines for illegal fishing by foreign vessels in the country's exclusive economic zone, raising the maximum penalty for unauthorized boats to 1.5 billion won from 300 million won. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the amendment cleared the plenary session on Thursday.
The revised law is intended to strip away the economic incentive for illegal fishing and strengthen deterrence, particularly against Chinese vessels operating without permission in South Korean waters.
The ministry said the tougher penalty was part of follow-up measures after President Lee Jae-myung ordered a stronger response to illegal Chinese fishing boats during a policy briefing late last year. Officials later presented a broader enforcement plan, including higher fines, at a Cabinet meeting on Feb. 3.
Authorities said on-site enforcement is also being intensified. The fisheries management service and Coast Guard have formed joint mobile task units to crack down on illegal fishing and seize offending vessels. In serious cases, including unauthorized fishing and territorial intrusion, South Korea has also transferred vessels at sea to the Chinese Coast Guard for additional punishment.
Maritime Affairs Minister Hwang Jong-woo said illegal fishing not only depletes marine resources but also threatens the country's maritime sovereignty, adding that the government would continue pursuing stronger enforcement and institutional reforms.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260423010007642