Hwang Jong-woo, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated on October 12 that the government will proactively respond to the Arctic shipping era and actively promote the marine metropolitan area, aiming to invigorate coastal and fishing village economies.
Minister Hwang made these remarks during a National Assembly audit held by the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee.
The Lee Jae-myung administration is advancing a pilot project to explore the Arctic route, with the Panstar Acro ship returning to the Arctic route on October 11 after departing from Busan in August.
The Ministry plans to establish the necessary infrastructure to develop the marine metropolitan area, which will be a key economic hub in the Arctic shipping era, and will focus on the growth of related industries in the Arctic economic zone.
Hwang emphasized, "The Ministry will closely analyze the results of the pilot operation in the Arctic route, accumulate relevant experience and data, and prepare a more robust pilot operation plan for next year. We will also steadily build a comprehensive support system necessary for activating the Arctic route, including timely development of port infrastructure, training of polar specialists, and development of key technologies for icebreaking vessels."
He also introduced measures to revitalize the economies of coastal and fishing village areas. A revision of the Shipping Act to establish a public passenger ferry system passed the National Assembly in May. The government will ensure the smooth implementation of this public system.
Hwang stated, "Starting with the integrated special city of Gwangju in Jeollanam-do, we will collaborate with local governments to establish region-specific strategies for revitalizing coastal economies, ensuring that ports, hinterlands, fishing ports, and surrounding fishing villages become the foundation for new growth engines and key hubs for regional development."
He added that efforts will be accelerated to promote the greening and smartening of the shipping and port industry through the transition to eco-friendly vessels and support for autonomous navigation technology demonstrations, as well as the rapid development of advanced smart ports incorporating physical artificial intelligence (AI).
To strengthen the fisheries sector, the government plans to shift from a regulation-focused approach to one centered on growth based on the 'Sustainable Development of Coastal Fisheries Act.' Additionally, it will expedite the establishment of leading aquaculture zones and the completion of smart aquaculture clusters to promote smart aquaculture.
Other initiatives include enhancing the competitiveness of seafood exports through an AI-based seaweed grading system and the establishment of a dried seaweed exchange, as well as expanding the scope of the fisheries direct payment system and increasing the operation of fishing buses to improve the living conditions of fishers.
Finally, Hwang discussed the importance of maintaining clean and safe seas and strengthening marine territory management.
He stated, "In response to international agreements, we will continuously expand marine protected areas and enhance our response capabilities to marine pollution incidents. We will also ensure the enforcement of mandatory life jacket use for fishermen and improve the working conditions for marine and fisheries researchers."
Hwang concluded by mentioning the removal of illegal fishing gear near the Northern Limit Line (NLL), strengthening cooperation with China on illegal fishing enforcement, and preparing for the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in South Korea in 2028 by establishing a basic plan by the end of this year and preparing for pre-events scheduled for next year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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