The Korea Coast Guard said Wednesday it seized 21 Chinese fishing boats from January to June, down 43.2 percent from 37 vessels a year earlier. The figure marked the lowest first-half level in five years.
Annual seizures of illegal Chinese fishing boats reached 115 in 2019 before dropping sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The figure stood at 18 in 2020, 66 in 2021, 42 in 2022, 54 in 2023, 46 in 2024 and 57 in 2025.
The decline comes as the KCG has significantly toughened its response to illegal Chinese fishing this year.
Under a revised law on fishing sovereignty in South Korea’s exclusive economic zone, which took effect in May, fines for illegal Chinese fishing boats were raised from a maximum of 300 million won ($210,000) to 1.5 billion won.
The KCG also carried out five special crackdowns over a total of 17 days in the first half and inspected 664 Chinese fishing boats.
The agency is also moving ahead with plans to build dedicated 500-ton-class patrol vessels designed to come alongside Chinese fishing boats. Two vessels are expected to be deployed each year for three years starting in 2028.
This year, the KCG is also preparing joint special operations with the Navy to strengthen crackdowns on Chinese fishing boats near the Northern Limit Line, following an order from President Lee Jae Myung.
But serious violations have not disappeared. The number of boats seized for major offenses, such as fishing in prohibited zones, entering territorial waters or operating without authorization, rose 25 percent to 10 in the first half from eight a year earlier.
The KCG has also taken a tougher line on serious violations, directly handing over eight vessels to Chinese authorities for possible further action.
A KCG official said stronger enforcement measures, including higher fines and special crackdowns, appear to have had some impact in curbing illegal fishing.
“We will continue to share the situation regarding illegal fishing at maritime security and fisheries meetings with China in the second half and urge further improvements in fishing order,” the official said.
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