A Study on Problems & Countermeasures Related to Illegal Fishing by CHINESE Boats in Neutral Zone of Han River of KOREA

CHINESS boats operating in the West Coast of EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) have perpetrated illegal fishing near NLL (Northern Limit Line) where the crackdown is relatively difficult, shutting between the SOUTH KOREA and NORTH KOREA. Since 2015, they advanced even into neutral zone of the western and northern Han River estuary off Gyodong Island adjacent to Ganghwa Island. Several dozen of CHINESS boats have been fishing in group, causing tension between the SOUTH KOREA and NORTH KOREA. They advanced 500m into the coast, which raises concern about infiltration of espionage agents disguised as CHINESS fishers. Furthermore, reckless fishing activities of CHINESS boats are blamed for devastation of fishing ground and disruption of fishing order. However, this region is a neutral region and falls under the jurisdiction of the Military Armistice Commission. Therefore, KOREAN government cannot clamp down on illegal fishing activities on its own discretion in this region. In addition, this region is off-limits to vessels other than private ships, limiting any access by the coast guard or military for the purpose of crackdown on illegal fishing. To resolve such problems, this study presented measures for relaxation of tension between the two KOREAS, prevention of devastation of fishing ground, restoration of fishing order based on multi-faceted approaches such as multilateral diplomatic activities with involvement of international community including CHINA and U.N., pro-motion of activities of the Military Armistice Commission existing in name only, and peaceful use of the fishing ground with joint management by the SOUTH KOREA and NORTH KOREA, and furthermore, proposed the measures such as permanent military police activities that could increase efficiency of clampdown on CHINESS fishing boats.