Analyzing the Current Status and Challenges of Coastal and Inshore Fisheries: A Review of the Impacts and the Legislative Improvements

Abstract

This study analyzed and reviewed the current status and challenges of coastal and inshore fisheries, which have the greatest impact on the continuous use of fishery resources and the protection and management of the marine ecosystem, and recommended measures to address such challenges. In particular, among the coastal and inshore stationary fishing boats and fisheries in the southern waters of South Korea, the current conditions and problems of gill net and fish trap fishery were analyzed by comparing them with the current fishing regulation system. Using a training ship, the waters where a large amount of fishing work involving coastal and inshore fishing vessels is being done were classified into A, B, and C and the waste fishing gears deposited in such waters were investigated in terms of their trawling means. In addition, the marine debris that was collected was directly identified.Through such practical field surveys and comparative analyses of the relevant information aimed at preventing disputes over fishing in coastal and inshore waters (which have been diverse and continuously occurring) as well as over the creation of waste fishing gears caused by deliberate or environmental factors, and their consequent adverse effects on the fishery resources ecosystem, this study presents a legislative improvement plan that could achieve the sustainable use of fishery resources and thus, promote the growth and development of fisheries in South Korea.