Illegal fishing by foreign vessels to face tougher punishment

▲ The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is seen in this file photo taken Dec. 5, 2025. (Yonhap)

illegal fishing-punishment

Illegal fishing by foreign vessels to face tougher punishment

SEOUL, April 23 (Yonhap) -- Illegal fishing by foreign vessels in South Korean waters will face tougher punishment under revised laws, the maritime ministry said Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the cap in fines on unlicensed vessels operating in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will be raised to 1.5 billion won (US$1 million) from the previous 0.3 billion won.

The move came as President Lee Jae Myung has instructed maritime police to take stern measures against illegal fishing by Chinese vessels in South Korean waters, known as the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Lee has asked the Korea Coast Guard to take stern measures against Chinese fishing boats when they operate illegally in South Korea's EEZ in the Yellow Sea.

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