(image: Yonhap)
MOKPO, May 29 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s maritime authorities said Tuesday they have scraped seven Chinese fishing boats that had been seized for illegal fishing in local waters.
The decision to break apart the impounded vessels, the first such action taken this year, was taken as the owners of the ships failed to pay deposits, the West Sea Fisheries Management Service said.
In 2015, South Korea and China agreed on the confiscation and dismantlement of fishing vessels that commit grave violations in order to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, mostly by Chinese fishermen.
“The measure is sure to be effective in preventing other Chinese fishing boats from entering territorial waters,” Kim Ok-sik, head of the agency said.
A total of 31 illegal Chinese boats have been captured this year, according to the agency, which has also imposed deposits worth 2.7 billion won (US$251.22).
(Yonhap)
