South Korea Raises Maximum Fine for Illegal Fishing in Its Waters Fivefold

South Korea has raised fivefold the maximum fine for foreign ships fishing illegally in its Exclusive Economic Zone, the Coast Guard said Thursday. Under a revised EEZ fisheries law that took effect Tuesday, the maximum fine for foreign vessels fishing illegally in South Korean waters has been raised to 1.5 billion won, equivalent to about $1 million, from 300 million won.

The change is part of efforts to address illegal fishing activity.

The Coast Guard seized 57 illegal Chinese fishing vessels last year. That figure is the highest annual total since 66 vessels were captured in 2021. The legal revision also increases the maximum bail required for the release of seized vessels and crew to 1.5 billion won.

The previous maximum bail ranged from 150 million won to 300 million won, depending on vessel size. The bail is returned once offenders pay the fine. In December, President Lee Jae Myung called for tougher fines against illegal Chinese fishing vessels.

He noted that existing penalties apparently were not enough to curb such activities. A Chinese fishing vessel seized by the Coast Guard in waters near the border island of Baengnyeong in the Yellow Sea on May 8, 2026, is seen in this photo provided by the Coast Guard the next day.