A Reconsideration of the Fishing Industry of Korea and Its Basic Problems

수산업 역할의 재인식과 기본과제

The fishing industry of Korea is now i a critical transitional stage. That is, broadly speaking, there are two dominant factors that constrain the further development of Korea fishey and effective competition in the international fishing industry. First of all, the global fishing industry has experienced many significant changes due to the execution of U.N, maritime law, the establishment of EEZ(the Exclusive Economic Zones), the increased roles of WTO(the World Trade Organization) as well as Korea being a member of OECD(the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). Second, the fishing industry of Korea is faced with the following domestic troubles, such as the icreasing fishing expenses, insufficient labor supply, and the collapse of traditional local co-operative organizations of fishing villages, etc. However, the demand for aquatic products of home consumers not only continues to increase but also is shifting to select more valuable species, completely ignoring the above-mentioned serious pressures incurred by the Korean fishery. To solve these problems and keep developing steadily, it is necessary for the fishing industry of Korea to adopt a more active and flexible development pattern in order to reset up the regional economic base in fishing villages nation-wide and make the exploitation of fishing resources balance. The paper gives an reconsideration to the primary alternatives facing the Korean fishery and its prospective roles in a realistic and far-sighted attitude. It may serve as an endeavour in seeking an outlet for the fishing industry of korea to advance forwardly and lastingly.