Ganghwa Shrimp Fishing Breathing Room Expands…Fishing Regulation Mitigation Pilot Project Launched

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Choi Ki-ho] Ganghwa County announced on the 15th that it will fully implement a fishing regulation mitigation project for shrimp fishing in coastal improved stow-net fishing.

This follows the county's selection for the 2026 Fishing Regulation Mitigation Pilot Project pursued by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, aiming to improve fishing conditions for fishers while promoting sustainable fisheries resource management.

To this end, participating fishers must comply with Total Allowable Catch (TAC), submit electronic catch reports through the catch certification app, continuously operate location transmitting devices, install CCTV, conduct bycatch surveys, and adhere to scientific resource management standards.

Accordingly, coastal improved stow-net fishers participating in the pilot project can temporarily use 6mm fine-mesh nets—previously restricted—for shrimp fishing from August 21 to November 18 under the condition of using one fishing gear. In addition, the application of fishing gear and methods using male and female net entrance devices in bag nets is expected to enhance fishing efficiency.

To increase transparency and effectiveness of the project, the county will conduct parallel monitoring of the catch certification management system, port and harbor landing inspections, cooperative sales record verification, on-site inspections, and bycatch surveys. Data confirmed through these measures will be used as baseline information for future policy improvements.

The county previously held preliminary education for participating fishers on the 13th. The education session provided information on the project's purpose and regulatory mitigation details, electronic catch reporting methods, and key compliance requirements, emphasizing responsible fishing operations and active cooperation.

County Governor Park Yong-cheol stated, "This pilot project will serve as an opportunity to improve fishing conditions for fishers and a catalyst for establishing a sustainable resource management system in the region's fisheries," adding, "The county will work with fishers to build a sustainable fisheries foundation based on responsible fishing operations and rigorous management."