According to Korean SBS TV report, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea would expand Yeonpyeong (연평도) island fishing ground 14 square kilometers further towards west and prolong fishing period. It’s also reported that the actions were to counter Chinese illegal fishing and protect local fishermen’ interests.
It’s main fishing seasons for crabs during April to May and October to November and the fishing was only allowing during daytime, which would be put off to from 30 minutes before sunrise to one hour later after sunset.
It’s reported that original fishing ground in Yeonpyeong island was only 280 square kilometers in the beginning of February in 1969, which had expanded 6 times since then. Because Yeonpyeong fishing ground was near to Northern Limit Line (NLL) in Korean Peninsula, South Korean fishermen had to carry out fishing activities during the daytime.
To secure the safety for South Korean fishing boats operated in the expanded water, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea would also send fishing guiding boats to supervise the area during crab harvest season.
On 29th September, South Korean coastguards carried out routine check for a Chinese fishing boat, but cockpit and machine room were lock from inside. Later, the coastguard broke the glass in the cockpit and released 3 high-explosive squash-head and then the fishing boat caught fire. In the end, three Chinese fishermen were found dead in the boat after the fire was put out by the coastguards.
