Chungnam Province announced on the 29th that it will conduct a joint crackdown on illegal fishing throughout October, coinciding with the peak autumn fishing season, in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, as well as city and county governments.

The upcoming crackdown is designed to fundamentally deter illegal activities, such as unlicensed fishing and gear violations, which tend to surge during the busy fishing season. Alongside the enforcement efforts, authorities will also promote awareness and prevention of safety accidents caused by sudden weather changes.

Additionally, the campaign will run parallel promotional activities to inform the fishing community about key systems under the "Sustainable Coastal Fisheries Development Act," which is set to take effect in June next year.

Key targets for the crackdown include:

Unlicensed or unpermitted fishing
Violations regarding fishing gear usage
Violations of catch size limits (prohibited sizes)
Safety-compromising acts, such as failing to wear life jackets

The province plans to respond with a zero-tolerance policy against resource-depleting illegal fishing, including strict judicial measures.

"Autumn is a crucial period when protecting marine resources and ensuring the safety of fishermen are of the utmost importance," said Jang Min-gyu, Head of the Fisheries Resources Division. "Along with strict law enforcement, we will do our utmost to ensure that the laws and systems taking effect next year are successfully established in the field."

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