China, ROK maritime authorities hold joint patrol to maintain fishing order

China and the Republic of Korea conducted a joint maritime law enforcement patrol from Oct 8 to 17 to maintain fishing order and strengthen cooperation, according to the China Coast Guard.

The China Coast Guard vessel Changshan and the ROK fisheries inspection vessel Mugunghwa 42 patrolled the provisional measures zone designated under the China-ROK fisheries agreement.

The patrol lasted more than 210 hours and covered over 1,200 nautical miles. Personnel from both countries observed and recorded the activities of 123 fishing vessels, issued verbal reminders and guidance to 74, and boarded three for inspections. Fishing operations in the patrolled waters were generally orderly, the coast guard said.

The coast guard described the patrol as a practical step in implementing the bilateral fisheries agreement. It said the operation strengthened exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' maritime law enforcement agencies and their joint management of fishing vessels operating in the zone, supporting efforts to combat illegal fishing, maintain fishing order and conserve marine fishery resources.

The China Coast Guard said it would continue to strengthen professional exchanges and practical cooperation with ROK maritime law enforcement agencies, enhance mutual understanding and jointly protect fishery resources in the Yellow Sea.