[Reporter Young-jin Choi, Korea Farmers and Fishermen Newspaper] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Coast Guard, apprehended six Chinese fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing in South Korea's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Ministry announced that from December 2 to 7, a joint inspection was conducted, and these vessels were fined 240 million won for underreporting catch quantities and using nets of illegal sizes. Additionally, boarding inspections were carried out on 241 Chinese fishing vessels to ensure that Chinese fishermen comply with fishing regulations within South Korean waters. This joint inspection focused on unlicensed vessels operating in specific areas of the West Sea, particularly during December when the main fishing grounds for targeted species (such as mackerel and hairtail) in the Mokpo and Jeju regions are active.