S. Korea Quintuples Maximum Fine For Ships Fishing Illegally In S. Korean Waters

INCHEON, May 14 (Beernama-Yonhap) -- South Korea has raised fivefold the maximum fine for foreign ships fishing illegally in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Coast Guard said Thursday, amid efforts to crack down on illegal Chinese fishing in the Yellow Sea, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Under a revised EEZ fisheries law that took effect Tuesday, the maximum fine for foreign vessels fishing illegally in South Korean waters has been raised to 1.5 billion won (US$1 million) from 300 million won, according to the Coast Guard.

The move comes as illegal Chinese fishing has increased in South Korea's EEZ in recent years.

The Coast Guard seized 57 illegal Chinese fishing vessels last year -- the highest annual figure since 66 were captured in 2021.

The legal revision also raises the amount of bail required for the release of seized vessels and crew to a maximum of 1.5 billion won, sharply up from a previous maximum range of 150 million to 300 million won, which varied by vessel size.

The bail is returned once the offenders have paid the fine.

In December, President Lee Jae Myung called for tougher fines against illegal Chinese fishing vessels, noting existing penalties apparently were not enough to curb such activities.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP