Characteristics and roles of deep sea fisheries
The deep sea fisheries industry has been contributing to national diets and economies for over 60 years, sourcing 100% of its fish stocks from the EEZs and high seas of foreign coastal states since the first test fishery of the Indian Ocean tuna longliner (Jinam) in 1957.
The deep sea fishery is one of the three pillars of Korea's fisheries industry, accounting for 44% of the country's seafood production (excluding aquaculture and freshwater fisheries).
It supplies fishery resources that cannot be caught domestically (tuna, pollock, etc.) or are in short supply (squid, saury, etc.) and contributes to maintaining stable domestic fish prices.
Currently, 253 vessels, including joint ventures, are operating in 16 countries, expanding and securing maritime territories.
We have pioneered overseas fishing grounds (Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas) and acted as a leading Citizen diplomat. Our entry into the private sector has led to the establishment of official diplomatic channels with various countries.
We are currently supporting the strengthening of Korea's position in the international arena by securing the support of pelagic fishing countries in various international stages.
Deep sea fishery is also plays a role in creating employment and promoting related industries and serving as a key industry for national defense and security.
It creates domestic and international employment and promotes related industries such as shipbuilding, equipment, and food manufacturing industries.
As a national defense and security key industry, it is capable of transporting civilian and military supplies for a fleet of 204 ships in the event of a national emergency.
The Korean deep-sea fishing industry is a competitive primary food industry and ranks as the world's fifth largest deep sea fishing country.
As the deep sea fishery uses overseas resources, it is forced to quickly adapt to new regulations under the influence of the International (Fisheries) Organization, coastal countries, and NGOs, and actively complies with the international maritime order, including responsible and sustainable use.
Amid the increasing global demand for seafood and the global food crisis, and the full competition among fishing nations to secure overseas resources, the Korea Overseas Fisheries Association and other deep sea fishing companies will strive to realize a sustainable and internationally competitive deep sea fishing power.
Roles
