Fisheries Monitoring Center

Milestones in our history

In March 2014, the Fisheries Monitoring Center (FMC) was established to systemetically monitor the activities of Korean distant water fishing vessels, and in May 2014, the Fisheries Monitoring System (FMS) became fully operational, allowing for the tracking of all Korean fishing vessels’ movements in distant waters. In July 2015, the transshipment authorization system was implemented, followed by the introduction of the Electronic Reporting System (ERS) and the Fisheries Information Management System (KFIMS) in September 2015. In June 2017, the validation of catch certificates for key species from distant waters began, and in March 2021, physical inspections for distant water fishing vessels entering Korean ports were initiated.

Structure

Primary role

The primary responsibility of the FMC for distant water fishing vessels is to proactively prevent suspected IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing activities by closely monitoring both Korean distant water fishing vessels and carrier vessels. To achieve this, the FMC operates 24/7, vigilantly tracking vessel activities and movements.

Work process?

The FMC monitors the positions and fishing activities of distant water fishing vessels using positional data and electronic catch reports transmitted from the vessels. The FMC receives satellite positional data at pre-defined intervals, which can be as frequent as one minute for intensive monitoring when necessary. If a fishing vessel approaches a restricted area, the FMC issues a real-time alert to warn the vessel.

Data means everything to us!

This data is stored in a comprehensive database that serves multiple purposes, including verification of transshipment and offloading operations, as well as validation of catch certificates. Where applicable, the positional data is automatically shared with relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to meet the VMS transmission requirements. Additionally, the data is accessible to the industry through KFIMS, where vessels operators are granted access to data specific to their own vessels.

Main tasks

> Monitoring and verification of positions and fishing activities through the FMS

- Operates 24/7 to prevent unlawful incursions to restricted areas and interaction with suspected foreign vessels

- Controls transshipment and offloading operations both at sea and in foreign ports

- Validates catch certificates for key species harvested from distant waters

> Investigation for imposition of administrative sanctions

- Conducts investigations into any alleged fishing activities violating domestic and international regulations

> Field inspections of fishing vessels

- Carries out physical inspection on board fishing vessels in Korean ports based on prior risk assessment, checking for general compliance and verifying catches on board

> Engagement with industry

- Provides tailored educational courses for the Industry

- Holds regular town-hall meetings to enhance communication with the industry

- Manages a social media channel to provide routine guidelines and receive reports of suspected activities

> International engagement

- Attends international meetings (RFMOs, fisheries enforcement training workshops, etc.) to monitor ongoing trends

- Strengthens technical exchange with and providing training to other partner countries

- Maintains a network of relevant international counterparts and organizations to facilitate the sharing of information related to IUU fishing