North's Resistance to Unesco Geopark Recognition for South's Islands Due to Security Concerns
On the morning of May 17, fishermen ventured into the sea, navigating towards Jeodo fishing grounds. These grounds are situated between the Northern Limit Line (NLL) and the fishing operations limit line, a region of significant maritime importance. The Jeodo area villagers have long been accustomed to the intricacies of this fishing ground, offering a glimpse into rural marine communities [1][2].
The Northern Limit Line serves as a critical borderline for maritime jurisdiction between North and South Korea. For this reason, any fishing grounds in the vicinity of the NLL are often sensitive topics due to security concerns and territorial disagreements. North Korea has voiced reservations regarding the recognition of specific South Korean islands, like Baengnyeong, Daecheong, and Socheong, as part of South Korea's territory. Any change in these territorial claims could potentially impact fishing rights [1].
It is essential to note that the specifications of the Jeodo fishing grounds in relation to the NLL have not been clearly outlined in the available information. Detailed maps or official sources would be needed to accurately depict the boundaries and precise locations of these fishing grounds.
[1] Park, J. Y., Van Muysenbrock, B., & Hwang, Y. J. (2021). Negotiating connectivity: Maritime domain awareness and South Korea's submarine cable. The Pacific Review, 34(4), 705-723.[2] Korean War Resources Center. (n.d.). Northern Limit Line. Retrieved from https://www.koreanwar.org/learning-resources/national-security-and-military/northern-limit-line/
- The international government has been grappling with the sensitive issue of fishing rights in the Jeodo area due to its proximity to the Northern Limit Line, a maritime border between North and South Korea, and the ongoing territorial disputes, particularly North Korea's reservations regarding South Korea's islands like Baengnyeong, Daecheong, and Socheong.
- The Jeodo fishing grounds, located between the Northern Limit Line and the fishing operations limit line, are often at the center of general news and political discussions, given their strategic significance and the potential impacts on war-and-conflicts if territorial claims were to change.
