Source: Australia Network News
South Korea says it will use armed military special forces to spearhead its battle against illegal fishing, following the murder of a coastguard officer by a Chinese boat captain.
The coastguard was stabbed to death and a second wounded on December 12 after they boarded a boat in the Yellow Sea’s rich fishing grounds.
Seoul has urged Beijing to also crack down on its illegal fishermen.
South Korean authorities say around 3,000 Chinese boats illegally fished daily in South Korea’s exclusive economic zone this year.
Seoul is also upgrading its patrolling boats.
Punishment
Chinese crews seen as major offenders will in future have their catches and fishing equipment confiscated, in addition to being fined.
The maximum fine will be doubled to USD 174,000.
Military special forces will be recruited to serve on Special Sea Attack Teams and 191 new officers would supplement the 342 men currently on the teams.
“Firearms that were provided to only two out of the eight crew on a high-speed vessel were given to everyone,†said the head of the prime minister’s office, Lim Jong-Ryong.
Authorities reported between April to May and October to December this year illegal fishing crews would often fight back with metal pipes and knives or lash their boats together to deter boarders.
The Chinese skipper accused of the latest killing has reportedly admitted the offence and expressed regret.