Characteristics and roles of deep sea fisheries
Since the first experimental tuna longline operation in the Indian Ocean conducted by the vessel Ji-nam in 1957, Korea’s distant-water fisheries(deep-sea fisheries) sector has, for over 60 years, sourced 100% of its fishery resources from the EEZs and high seas of foreign coastal states, contributing to national food security and the national economy.
Distant-water fisheries constitute one of the three main pillars of Korea’s fisheries industry, accounting for 48% of the country’s total seafood production (excluding aquaculture and inland fisheries).
The sector supplies fishery resources that cannot be caught domestically (such as tuna, pollock, and toothfish) or are in short supply (such as squid and saury), thereby contributing to the stable maintenance of domestic fish prices.
Currently, including joint ventures, 228 vessels are operating in 16 countries, expanding and securing maritime territories.
The industry has developed overseas fishing grounds across Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas, and has played a leading role as a form of private-sector diplomacy. Through the expansion of distant-water fisheries at the private level, official diplomatic channels have been established with various countries.
At present, by securing support from flag states of distant-water fisheries in various international conferences, it is contributing to the strengthening of Korea’s position in the international arena.
The sector also plays an important role in job creation, the promotion of related industries, and serves as a key infrastructure industry for national defense and security.
It generates employment both domestically and internationally, while fostering the development of related industries such as shipbuilding, equipment manufacturing, and food processing.
As a strategic industry for national security, the national fleet of 189 vessels can be mobilized to transport civilian and military supplies in times of national emergency.
Korea’s distant-water fisheries sector, as a competitive primary food industry, ranks fifth in the world among distant-water fishing nations.
As it relies on overseas resources, the sector is inevitably influenced by international fisheries organizations, coastal states, and NGOs, requiring rapid adaptation to new international regulations. In this context, it actively complies with the international maritime order, including the principles of responsible and sustainable use of resources.
Amid growing global demand for seafood and a worsening global food crisis, full-scale competition among fishing nations to secure access to overseas resources is intensifying. In response, the Korea Overseas Fisheries Association and distant-water fishing companies will continue their efforts to realize a sustainable and globally competitive distant-water fishing industry.
Roles
