Japan-Korea Fisheries Agreement Dispute: A Fierce Diplomatic Front Over Sea Borders

A "sea border" that doesn’t appear on maps, yet exists in reality. The tension in diplomatic negotiations that affects the livelihoods of fishermen from both countries continues to this day.

Hello, today I want to talk about the Japan-Korea fisheries agreement dispute, which continues to be a source of conflict in Northeast Asia. When I was young, my grandfather’s house was near Wando in South Jeolla Province, and I often had the chance to listen to the stories of fishermen who worked at sea. One story that always came up was how difficult it was to fish because of Japanese fishing vessels. At that time, I thought it was just a border issue, but as I looked deeper, I realized that many issues, including international law, diplomacy, and livelihood rights, were entangled. In this article, we will explore the history and background of the Japan-Korea fisheries agreement, the key conflicts, and the legal and political responses.

Table of Contents

History and Background of the Japan-Korea Fisheries Agreement Key Issues and Conflict Cases Interpretation Under International and Maritime Law South Korea's Government and Local Responses Impact on Fishermen’s Livelihoods Future Negotiation Directions and Challenges

History and Background of the Japan-Korea Fisheries Agreement

The Japan-Korea fisheries agreement is one of the treaties signed during the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1965, allowing fishermen from both nations to operate in certain waters. In 1999, the new Japan-Korea fisheries agreement was revised, designating the waters around Dokdo as a joint management zone, effectively "freezing" the territorial dispute. However, the agreement resulted in dissatisfaction for both nations, especially South Korean fishermen, who have expressed grievances about the difficulty of fishing even in their own waters. The structural ambiguities and political sensitivities of the agreement continue to fuel conflict to this day.

Key Issues and Conflict Cases

The conflicts surrounding the Japan-Korea fisheries agreement primarily occur in the waters around Dokdo, with frequent clashes between Japanese coast guard patrols and South Korean fishing vessels. There are significant differences in the interpretation of the 'joint management zone,' and conflicts often arise over the jurisdiction of coast guard enforcement and the fishing conditions, which contradict each other under national laws. Below are some representative conflict cases.

Date of Occurrence	Incident Details
July 2012	Japanese coast guard attempts to patrol while South Korean fishing vessels operate near Dokdo
September 2017	Japanese coast guard approaches, claiming illegal fishing by South Korean vessels, leading to diplomatic protests
October 2021	Clash between Japanese and South Korean vessels leads to injuries, with South Korean coast guard intervening

Interpretation Under International and Maritime Law

The Japan-Korea fisheries agreement conflicts with the concept of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) under international maritime law. Both countries claim the waters around Dokdo as their own EEZ, leading to conflicts over fishing rights, enforcement jurisdiction, and judicial authority. The main legal issues are as follows:

• The issue of maritime boundary setting due to overlapping EEZs around Dokdo
• Differences in the interpretation of enforcement jurisdiction in the joint management zone
• Whether the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) takes precedence over bilateral treaties

South Korea's Government and Local Responses

The South Korean government has continuously criticized the unfairness of the Japan-Korea fisheries agreement and has maintained a firm stance during negotiations for its renewal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries have focused on securing autonomous fishing rights in the joint management zone. However, there are criticisms that practical improvements have been slow due to concerns about diplomatic friction. At the local government level, measures such as livelihood support for fishermen, safety training, and compensation for diplomatic conflicts have been attempted, but there are clear limitations.

Responding Entity	Major Actions	Limitations
Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries	Negotiations for expanded fishing zones, providing compensation plans for fishermen	Lack of practical results due to Japan's refusal to negotiate
Local governments (e.g., Gyeongsangbuk-do)	Livelihood support for affected fishermen, education programs	Lack of sustainability, insufficient role sharing with the central government

Impact on Fishermen’s Livelihoods

The fisheries agreement dispute has caused the greatest harm to fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the sea. As fishing zones have become more restricted, the uncertainty of maritime conditions has threatened their survival. Particularly, the decline in catch and the instability of seafood distribution have had a negative impact on the entire fishing economy. Below are the main impacts summarized.

Impact Item	Details
Fishing Restrictions	Increased regulations in the joint management zone, reducing the area for fishing
Reduced Income	Severe decrease in catches and maritime operations stalled due to concerns over Japanese enforcement
Psychological Stress	Increased anxiety due to frequent maritime collisions and diplomatic tensions

Future Negotiation Directions and Challenges

The Japan-Korea fisheries agreement is accompanied by diplomatic tension every year when its renewal is discussed. Future negotiations should not only involve adjusting fishing zones but also establishing effective measures for fisheries management and the protection of fishermen. The following are the key challenges:

• Clarifying the legal status of the joint management zone and coordinating enforcement jurisdiction
• Negotiating for expanded fishing zones and relaxed fishing conditions
• Ensuring government subsidies and mediation mechanisms to stabilize fishermen's livelihoods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q When was the Japan-Korea Fisheries Agreement signed?

It was signed in 1965 during the normalization of diplomatic relations, and the revised fisheries agreement was enacted in 1999.

Q What is a joint management zone?

It is a zone where both countries jointly manage waters they claim jurisdiction over and establish conditions for fishing operations.

Q Why are fishermen being harmed by the agreement?

Due to restrictions on fishing areas and increased enforcement by Japan, it has become difficult for fishermen to safely and stably conduct their operations.

Q What responses has the South Korean government provided?

The government has pursued negotiations to expand fishing rights and developed support measures for fishermen, but progress has been slow due to differing positions with Japan.

Q Is there a way to resolve this issue under international law?

There are options such as filing a case with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, but a diplomatic agreement between the two countries is a priority.

Q Is the agreement renewed every year?

In principle, the agreement is renegotiated each year, but sometimes only informal discussions occur without formal agreements.

Conclusion: Finding a Coexistence Solution Across the Sea

The Japan-Korea fisheries agreement dispute is a complex issue that goes beyond just fishery resources, intertwining national diplomacy and the livelihoods of local residents. I remember seeing small fishing boats pulling up anchovies in Tongyeong, and the anxiety and survival tension they face cannot be fully captured by statistics or articles. Diplomacy between nations is always difficult, but we should aim to minimize the harm to those whose livelihoods depend on the sea. What do you think about this issue? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!