South Korea to intensify crackdown on illegal fishing near NLL

The South Korean government has announced a comprehensive multi-agency plan to combat illegal fishing by foreign vessels, primarily Chinese boats, near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea. The strategy, involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Unification, National Defense, and Oceans and Fisheries, aims to protect maritime sovereignty and local livelihoods ahead of the autumn blue crab fishing season.

Key measures include intensifying joint enforcement operations across all waters south of the NLL, simplifying information sharing between military and police forces, and deploying specialized vessels to remove illegal fishing gear. The government also plans to install 34 artificial structures in high-frequency fishing areas to obstruct illegal trawling. To bolster field capabilities, the Korea Coast Guard will establish a new special suppression unit in Baengnyeong Island by April next year and introduce new high-speed patrol boats.

Diplomatically, South Korea will urge Chinese authorities to strictly enforce fishing regulations and educate their citizens. The government also intends to notify China that recent legal amendments have increased the maximum fine for illegal fishing from 300 million won to 1.5 billion won. Local fishermen have expressed hope that these increased enforcement measures, including more frequent vessel seizures, will effectively reduce the presence of illegal foreign boats in sensitive waters.