Public outrage is mounting over the continued incursions of Chinese fishing vessels into South Korean territorial waters and their illegal fishing activities.
According to the South Korean government, the number of Chinese vessels engaged in illegal fishing near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea surged to an average of 240 boats per day in April.
Data on daily illegal fishing near the NLL in April over the years shows significant fluctuations:
- 2015: 340 vessels
- 2016: 250 vessels
- 2017: 200 vessels
- 2018: 50 vessels
- 2019: 90 vessels
- 2020: 80 vessels
- 2021: 240 vessels
The number had declined to double digits since 2018 but saw a sharp increase again in 2021.
Illegal fishing by Chinese vessels is not just a problem for South Korea; it has become a global issue.
On April 21, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that China’s aggressive and illegal fishing practices are fueling international concerns as Chinese fishing fleets expand across global waters.
According to the report, concerns over Chinese fishing vessels range from the East China Sea to distant waters off Africa and South America. Large fleets, sometimes numbering in the dozens or even hundreds, have been accused of trespassing into territorial waters and using illegal fishing equipment for “sweep-and-take” operations that devastate marine ecosystems.
The international community must unite to stop these illegal “outlaw fleets” from further damaging global fisheries.
In response, VANK is working to raise awareness of the issue as a major international problem.
To address the crisis, VANK is launching a global campaign to mobilize international public opinion and put pressure on the Chinese government.
Additionally, the organization is initiating a global petition to bring China’s illegal fishing activities to the attention of the United Nations and other international bodies.