North Korea strengthened its fisheries law in May, emphasizing criminal accountability and harsher punishments for violations. The amendments, officials say, aim to prevent illegal exports and improve overall fisheries management.
Daily NK obtained the amended text, showing that North Korea previously revised the law in 2024, though details remain unclear. Comparing it with the 2022 version highlights major changes. Authorities reorganized the legal accountability system, moving punishment provisions into a separate chapter.
Previously, Chapter 5 focused on guidance and control of fishery sector activities. Under the May revision, the chapter is titled “Legal Accountability” and contains solely punishment-related articles. Administrative content from the former chapter shifted to Chapters 1, 3, and 4.
Experts note the amendments signal North Korea’s intent to enforce legal accountability more rigorously. Yoon Injoo, a researcher at South Korea’s Korea Maritime Institute, explained that the law now prioritizes punishment over mere guidance. He said the revisions likely reflect gaps in oversight that authorities aim to address.
The amendments raised fines substantially. Agencies, enterprises, and groups now face penalties of 1 million to 1.5 million won for catching undersized fish, compared with 100,000 to 500,000 won previously. Individual fines increased to 30,000–100,000 won.
North Korea also introduced new penalties for producing fishery goods without documentation, going to sea without gear inspections, and missing quotas. Authorities imposed fines of 1 million to 1.5 million won on groups or agencies for these violations.
Illegal export penalties became even stricter. Offenders now face fines equal to ten times the value of the exported goods, aiming to halt large-scale smuggling at its source. The law also bans fishing boats from operating in certain circumstances under Article 50.
The amended law lists eight infractions, including illegal fish farm operations, banned fishing gear usage, unregistered catches, and obstructing administrative surveys. Authorities now impose temporary or permanent bans on operations or sailing for these violations.
Overall, North Korea centralized fisheries management under the amended law. The revisions unify administrative procedures, protect scientific and environmental infrastructure, strengthen planning, and intensify penalties. Experts emphasize the law represents a stricter, more controlled approach to fisheries governance in the country.
