Over 1,500 fishing operational regulations to be halved by 2031
Integrated data management from catch to distribution to alleviate operational burdens
The South Korean government announced plans to reduce the number of fisheries-related regulations, currently totaling approximately 1,500, by half by 2031. The initiative aims to overhaul restrictions on fishing gear and methods while implementing an integrated data management system across the entire supply chain—from initial catch to final distribution—to lower the operational burden on the industry.
According to government officials on the 8th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo discussed the shift toward a statistics-based management system for coastal and offshore fisheries during a National Policy Coordination Meeting held at the Sejong Government Complex.
"As social changes accelerate, the government's regulatory approach must evolve accordingly," Prime Minister Han stated during the meeting. "We must refine essential regulations with greater precision while boldly reforming those that no longer align with current realities."
The core of this reform is to slash the roughly 1,500 existing regulations—covering fishing gear and methods—by 50% by 2031. By streamlining rules that fail to account for modern fishing environments and technological advancements, the government intends to transition the fisheries management system toward a more data-centric model.
Halving Gear and Method Regulations to Improve Operational Efficiency
Current fisheries regulations apply to various stages of industry activity, including the type and specifications of gear and specific fishing methods. While these measures were originally designed to protect marine resources and maintain order, critics have long argued that they fail to reflect current field conditions and technological progress.
Through this reform, the government plans to eliminate unnecessary operational restrictions, enabling fishers to adjust their production activities to match changing environments.
Previously, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries selected 25 pilot projects this year to test regulatory improvements tailored to local fishing characteristics. By adjusting gear specifications and bycatch limits, the pilot was projected to benefit approximately 1,800 fishers.
However, specific details regarding which regulations will be prioritized for reform and the annual reduction targets have yet to be disclosed and will require further planning.
Integrated Data Management from Catch to Distribution
In addition to deregulation, the government will overhaul its coastal and offshore fisheries management framework. By collecting and integrating data from the harvest stage through to distribution, the government aims to gain a more precise understanding of the broader industry landscape.
"We will collect and integrate accurate data across every stage of the fisheries industry, from the point of harvest to final distribution," Prime Minister Han stated.
Easing field regulations is expected to improve production and management conditions for fishers. Systematic management of production and distribution data will also be instrumental in monitoring seafood supply trends and formulating more effective industry policies.
While these reforms are significant, the government noted that deregulation will not immediately result in a surge in seafood supply or a direct reduction in consumer prices, as these are influenced by factors such as catch volume, ocean conditions, and logistics costs. The government plans to continue the reform process while closely monitoring the implementation and field impact of the revised regulations.
