# South Korean enforcement against illegal fishing near NLL > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-enforcement-against-illegal-fishing-near-nll > Updated: 2026-09-11T02:40:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. South Korea initiated a multi-agency strategy to combat illegal fishing by foreign vessels, primarily Chinese boats, near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea. The government’s plan involved intensifying joint enforcement between the military, police, and coast guard, deploying specialized vessels, and installing artificial structures to obstruct illegal trawling. To support these efforts, the Korea Coast Guard planned to establish a new special suppression unit and introduce high-speed patrol boats. Following these preparations, the Central Regional Coast Guard and the Navy conducted a large-scale crackdown during the autumn peak season. A two-day operation involving 20 vessels resulted in the seizure of one foreign fishing vessel and the expulsion of 91 others. Reports indicated that the number of illegal foreign vessels in the NLL area decreased from approximately 200 to around 150 following the enforcement action. Several officers were recognized with special bonuses for their roles in seizing multiple illegal Chinese fishing boats and expelling dozens of other vessels during these joint operations. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Korea Coast Guard seizes illegal fishing vessel near NLL The Korea Coast Guard seized one foreign fishing vessel and expelled 91 others during a large-scale crackdown on illegal fishing near the West Sea Northern Limit Line. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/korea-coast-guard-seizes-illegal-fishing-vessel-near-nll ### 2026-08-27: South Korea to intensify crackdown on illegal fishing near NLL South Korea is launching a multi-agency crackdown on illegal foreign fishing near the Northern Limit Line, deploying new suppression units and artificial structures to protect maritime sovereignty. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-to-intensify-crackdown-on-illegal-fishing-near-nll --- Cite as: South Korean enforcement against illegal fishing near NLL. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-enforcement-against-illegal-fishing-near-nll