Stop Chinese from Illegal Fishing

Chinese illegal fishing boats that invade Korean Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are increasing more and more nowadays.The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the number of boats that applied for permits stood at 1,502, 4 percent down from 1,564 in May 2015.

The fishing quota given to these boats also decreased by 9 percent to 54,603

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tons, from 59,996 tons in the previous year.

In the meantime, another patrol boat was dispatched to Ulleung Island in the East Sea to prevent illegal fishing as some 250 Chinese vessels have anchored near the island since Dec. 1 due to bad weather.

But this year, a number of Chinese fishing boats appearing near the EEZ has declined by 20 percent from last year due to the decrease in the crab stocks, ropes, a several fishing gear and the more frequent crackdowns by law enforcement authorities on illegal Chinese fishing activities.

Effort has been made before the start of the fishing season to get Chinese fishermen to attend programs outlining the need for sustainable fishing practices.The ministry said it would also strengthen monitoring of illegal activities and clamp down on violators that abuse their rights.

Even though, some fishermen who operate in the West Sea blame the shake-up of the Coast Guard for encouraging illegal fishing by the Chinese. Now that the organization

has been revamped, the Coast Guard should prove its mettle as the country’s maritime law enforcement authority by vigorously enforcing the law within our EEZ and protecting Korean fishermen and their properties.

South Korea, for its part, needs to respond more sternly, making Chinese fishermen pay a dear price for their illegal operations and violence. It may be useful to let Chinese officials board its patrol ships to witness in person the violent clashes.

Korea will also tighten surveillance on designated check points and improve fishing line in the EEZ to make sure the fish carriers are in route.