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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on January 5 that it will shift its enforcement policy against illegal Chinese fishing vessels from expulsion to seizure, following President Lee Jae-myung’s call for a tougher response to repeated violations in Korean waters.
In his New Year’s address, Vice Minister Kim Sung-beom, who is serving as acting minister, said the government would “transition its response from ordering vessels to leave to seizing them, while strengthening economic sanctions to firmly uphold maritime sovereignty.” The Korea Coast Guard also plans to establish expanded maritime patrol zones in the West Sea and around Jeju Island.
President Lee previously emphasized during a government briefing in December that illegal Chinese fishing vessels must clearly recognize the severe consequences of operating in Korean waters, including arrest and heavy financial penalties. The issue is expected to be discussed at an upcoming summit between the two countries.
Beyond enforcement measures, the Ministry outlined broader maritime strategies, including preparations for the Arctic shipping route era. Plans include a pilot voyage on the Busan–Rotterdam Arctic route, the development of a maritime capital region, and the creation of a comprehensive marine industry cluster encompassing corporations, public institutions, a maritime court, and a regional investment corporation.
The Ministry also pledged to accelerate the transition to eco-friendly and fully autonomous vessels, expand alternative marine fuel infrastructure such as LNG and methanol bunkering facilities, and designate Gwangyang Port as a pilot smart port.
In the fisheries sector, the government will introduce a structural reform plan aimed at reducing excessive fishing capacity, modernizing aging vessels, revitalizing coastal economies through marine tourism hubs, and developing profit-sharing models involving fishermen and fisheries cooperatives.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
