Minister Jeon Jae-soo, the nominee for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated on 14th, 'We will successfully complete the transfer of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan and use this as a springboard to attract marine and fisheries-related institutions and major shipping corporations.'
The nominee noted during his opening remarks at the personnel hearing for the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries held at the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans, and Fisheries Committee of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the same day, 'I have judged that the new maritime route of the Arctic will become a driving force for changes in global economic activities,' and added, 'We will quickly establish a base in preparation for this.'
He emphasized, 'Through the Arctic route, we will overcome the current unipolar system in the metropolitan area and consolidate administrative, industrial, judicial, and financial functions to provide Korea with a new engine for growth,' stating that 'the first step toward this is the transfer of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan.'
He added, 'We will widely inform the international community of our intention to lead the Arctic route by attracting the UN Ocean Assembly to Korea.'
The nominee also expressed his willingness to transition to a sustainable fishing industry. He explained that he would shift coastal fisheries to a total allowable catch (TAC) management system, enhance productivity in aquaculture through smart technology, and focus on managing the supply and demand of seafood.
He also unveiled plans to reform the national fleet into eco-friendly vessels, focusing on ammonia and hydrogen-based zero-carbon ships in response to global environmental regulations. He stated, 'We will proceed without disruption in developing the Jinhae New Port with integrated automation technology and implementing regionally tailored development strategies for ports across the country.'
The nominee proposed measures to revitalize marine tourism and fishing villages. His plan includes creating integrated marine leisure and tourism cities in key coastal areas, as well as enhancing infrastructure for marine healing, fishing village experiences, ecotourism, and fishing in small fishing villages and coastal regions to invigorate the local economy. Regarding offshore wind power generation, he emphasized, 'We will actively develop a benefit-sharing model that can coexist with residents and fishermen to serve as a turning point for energy transformation.'
He mentioned the management of marine sovereignty and territorial waters. He stated, 'We will manage Dokdo, baseline islands, and uninhabited islands more thoroughly and ensure that there are no gaps in marine safety management to protect the lives and property of the people.'
He also stated, 'By 2030, we will designate 30% of our waters as marine protected areas and create a clean sea through comprehensive management of marine litter and discarded fishing gear.'