Status and prospects of Korean fisheries

Abstract

The Korean fisheries is highlighted by a rapid increase in annual total production until 1990, but the trend has nearly leveled off in recent years. The total catch from coastal and offshore fishery maintained an increasing trend; while production from aquaculture has gradually increased, the inland water fishery has decreased, starting in 1980. The total population engaged in the fishery industry sector has decreased continuously every year. The production of fishery products in recent years has remained at a constant level. The total amount of import of fish and fishery products increased sharply in recent years while the exports did not vary. The Korean fishery industry has been facing serious difficulty not only due to the decrease of coastal and offshore fishery resources, but also the withdrawal of deep-sea fishing vessels from the coastal country's jurisdiction areas following the extension of 200 nautical miles EEZ. Some suggestions are given to overcome the present and future anticipated difficulties.