KOREAN FISHERMEN IN RUSSIA STRUGGLE AMID COVID-19

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South Korean fishermen who are out in Russia to catch squids have not been able to begin their operations for nearly a month amid slow quarantine measures from Russia. They are predicted to suffer huge losses, as the fishing period is coming to end. Here is more.

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South Korean squid-catching vessels left for Russia in mid-July. They entered Russian waters after staying in Korea for two weeks due to COVID-19 quarantine measures. By last month, 65 South Korean fishing vessels moved to Russian waters one after another. But it has been found they have not yet begun their operations since discussions with Russian officials on quarantine, vessel inspections and fishing documents unusually dragged on. To make matters worse, two back-to-back typhoons moved northwards toward Russian waters where the South Korean fishermen have been waiting for over a month.

[Soundbite] (SOUTH KOREAN FISHER(IN RUSSIA)) : "Russia has not yet issued a permit citing multiple reasons. We have not yet operated for some 50 days. We are just waiting."

In previous years, fishing began in July. But this year,it's not possible until mid-September. The South Korean fishing crews each made investments of nearly 100 million won, including 20 million won in fishing fees. However, it remains uncertain when they can begin operations.

[Soundbite] PARK IN-BONG(CHAIRMAN, SOKCHO SQUID FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATION) : "The vessels have insufficient fuel. So they cannot operate for long. The ministry must have understood this situation. We are really disappointed."

The Korean government predicts they can start fishing as early as this week, noting its agreement with Russia to streamline related procedures. But the fishermen are demanding the government's active support, explaining that the fishing season will end next month and they will have to suffer huge losses.