This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about potential mislabeling and illegal distribution of domestically caught female snow crabs. (Image courtesy of the Korea Coast Guard)
ANDONG, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – North Gyeongsang Province announced on December 8 that it will conduct special enforcement measures across its 22 cities and counties, focusing on seafood origin labeling verification and illegal fishing activities in the East Sea, with particular attention to snow crabs.
This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about potential mislabeling and illegal distribution of domestically caught female snow crabs, coinciding with increased imports of female snow crabs from Japan.
Current South Korean regulations prohibit the catching, harvesting, and distribution of female snow crabs and those measuring less than 9 centimeters in length within domestic waters. However, these restrictions do not apply to Japanese imports, which are permitted to enter and circulate in the South Korean market.
To address market disruption concerns, the provincial government has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries requesting that domestic fishing restrictions be applied to Japanese snow crab imports.
The proposal specifically calls for prohibiting the import of female crabs and those under 9 centimeters, as well as adding live female snow crabs to the list of seafood products requiring distribution tracking.
In an effort to improve the credibility and effectiveness of origin verification efforts, the province has also commissioned the Korea Fisheries Science Institute to conduct genetic analysis of domestic female snow crabs.
“While current legal sanctions alone may not completely resolve the issues surrounding Japanese snow crab distribution, we will strengthen our oversight of seafood origin labeling and special crackdowns on illegal fishing to maintain fishing order and protect marine resources,” said Lee Kyung-gon, director of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Bureau.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
