A total of 18 million won ($13,348) was awarded to six officers who helped seize eight Chinese fishing vessels during a government-wide joint operation near Yeonpyeong Island on Aug. 11.
The six officers, members of the West Sea Five Islands Special Guard Unit under the Central Regional Coast Guard, were recognized for their role in the operation, which also resulted in 24 other Chinese vessels being expelled from the area.
During the operation, authorities seized eight Chinese fishing vessels and expelled 24 others from the area.
Foreign fishing vessels are prohibited from operating in waters near the NLL, the de facto maritime border between South and North Korea in the Yellow Sea. But Chinese vessels frequently move back and forth across the NLL to fish illegally, making enforcement difficult.
Unlike conventional crackdowns in which Coast Guard units chase vessels caught fishing illegally, the officers targeted Chinese boats anchored without authorization and carried out preemptive enforcement in coordination with other government agencies.
The operation came amid a broader government push to curb persistent illegal Chinese fishing near the NLL.
Seoul has also sought greater cooperation from Beijing.
At a Korea-China fisheries enforcement meeting held in Dalian in June, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation against illegal fishing, including reviewing tougher enforcement rules and conducting joint patrols. South Korea also urged China to strengthen inspections at its own ports and monitoring of vessels suspected of illegal operations.
The 18 million won award is the largest handed out since the Coast Guard introduced its special performance bonus program this year.
“I hope clear rewards for strong performance will boost the pride of employees who quietly dedicate themselves to their duties and contribute to protecting public safety,” acting Korea Coast Guard Commissioner General Jang In-sik said.
AJP Takeaways
- The Korea Coast Guard awarded a record 18 million won to six officers for a crackdown on illegal Chinese fishing near the NLL.
- The Aug. 11 operation near Yeonpyeong Island seized eight Chinese fishing vessels and expelled 24 others.
- Seoul is also strengthening enforcement and cooperation with Beijing to curb illegal fishing in the Yellow Sea.
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