(LEAD) S. Korea, China agree to reduce fishing in each other's EEZs

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 2-4, 8)

SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and China agreed Wednesday to reduce the number of their boats fishing in the respective nation's exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and cut the allowed fish catch in a move to preserve maritime resources, Seoul's oceans ministry said.

After holding a four-day joint fishing committee meeting from Tuesday, the two nations agreed to reduce the number of fishing boats in each other's EEZs by 50 units to 1,250 next year and cut the allowed fish catch by 1,000 tons to 55,750 tons, according to the oceans ministry.

Seoul and Beijing have reduced the number of their boats since 2017. The comparable figure in 2016 came to 1,600 vessels.

An EEZ is a sea zone that a country has special rights over regarding the exploration and use of marine resources. It stretches out to 200 nautical miles from the shore.

Under the agreement, the two nations also agreed to boost information sharing on Chinese boats suspected of illegal fishing in the North Korean waters in the East Sea.

They also decided to strengthen cooperation regarding Chinese boats caught for violating rules on territorial waters and using violence, the ministry added.

"South Korea and China will continue joint efforts to maintain a practical balance in fishing and to ensure fishing activities under stable circumstances," a ministry official said.

The Seoul-Beijing fishery agreement took effect in 2001 to deal with disputes regarding their fishing activities and safety measures.

graceoh@yna.co.kr
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