정부, ‘꽃게철’ NLL 주변 불법조업 중국 어선 대대적 단속한다

The government is taking a comprehensive approach to patrol the NLL region surrounding the Bohai Sea, targeting Chinese fishing vessels involved in illegal fishing activities. On the 27th, a joint briefing was held at the Government Complex in Seoul, involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Unification, Defense, and Fisheries, to present a comprehensive plan to address illegal fishing by foreign vessels.

The government aims to dispel the misconception among foreign vessels that the NLL zone restricts their freedom of navigation and to eradicate illegal fishing. To achieve this, they plan to strengthen surveillance activities in the northern Bohai Sea, including installing artificial facilities and strengthening surveillance capabilities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to support monitoring activities for foreign vessels anchored or docked in the Korean waters. The Ministry of Defense will provide assistance by conducting joint situational assessments and providing evidence for seizures when foreign fishing vessels are detained near the NLL. The Ministry of Marine and Fisheries intends to remove illegal fishing gear and install artificial facilities in the northern Bohai Sea to discourage illegal fishing activities.

The coast guard is also planning to deploy two new special rapid response vessels and additional special patrol units in Yeongil and Daecheongdo to bolster surveillance. The plan will also involve coordination with the 'Korea-China Joint Fisheries Committee' to ensure the implementation of agreed-upon measures. This comprehensive plan will be announced ahead of the reopening of the line fishery in Bohai Sea on the following month, allowing the local fishermen of the region to resume their livelihood.

Despite the presence of foreign vessels fishing for abalone and other shellfish in the northern Bohai Sea, they have been known to evade detection by fleeing northward when confronted. However, the coast guard successfully seized 8 Chinese vessels during a combined surveillance operation on the 11th, with two of those vessels having no crew onboard – the first time such an incident has occurred.

The coast guard believes that Chinese fishermen often maintain their vessels in the area, deploying them as needed. The number of illegal foreign vessels has decreased from an average of 90 per day in 2023 to around 70 so far this year, thanks to the intensified surveillance. The coast guard's deputy chief stated that there are currently 76 Chinese vessels operating in the NLL zone, and their goal is to remove all of them, requiring close coordination with the military.

President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his dissatisfaction during a visit to Yeongil in June, stating that the situation had surpassed official records, and it was unacceptable to leave the issue unresolved, adding that it was too severe for a casual approach.