Korean Female Crabs Being Illegally Distributed as Japanese Imports

 

Crackdown on illegal distribution through genetic analysis and supply chain tracking

 

Preemptive response to the spread of illegal distribution of Korean female crabs by tracking distribution channels, strengthening online monitoring, and restricting the handling of catches through the amendment of the Enforcement Decree of the Fisheries Act

 

 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced that it carried out a special crackdown on the illegal distribution of Korean female crabs for about three months from November 2024 to February 28, 2025. This special crackdown was launched in response to concerns that Korean female crabs—whose capture and distribution in Korea are prohibited—are being mixed and distributed alongside imported Japanese female crabs.

 

 Korean and Japanese crabs are similar in appearance, making it difficult to distinguish them visually. Therefore, preemptive measures are necessary as Korean crabs are primarily distributed online; labeling them as Japanese imports will confuse consumers and negatively impact the price of Korean crabs, necessitating preemptive measures.

 

 Jointly carried out by MOF's Fisheries Management Division and local governments (Gyeongsangbuk-do, Yeongdeok-gun, Pohang-si, and Gyeongju-si), the crackdown involved fishery guidance vessels monitoring the illegal fishing of female crabs at sea, with inspection teams tracking distribution channels to uncover illegal activities on land.

 

 * Inspection of 141 crab distribution and sales companies, 225 crab fishing boat boarding investigations, and 73 land inspections, including fishery product auction houses and major landing ports

 

 In particular, to prevent illegal distribution online, MOF secured 282 female crabs distributed online as Japanese products and performed a genetic analysis.

 

 The results confirmed that some crabs were the same as Korean crabs. MOF traced the distribution channels of the online sellers and conducted undercover investigations, catching businesses illegally relabeling Korean female crabs as Japanese imports.

 

 The special crackdown seized 159 domestic female crabs. In particular, MOF took preemptive action before illegal distribution could escalate, protecting domestic crab fishermen and eradicating illegal seafood distribution.

 

 The case involving illegal distributors will be forwarded to prosecutors by March upon completion of the investigation.

 

 The Fishery Resources Management Act prohibits the capture of female crabs and juvenile crabs all year round. Possession, distribution, storage, and sale of these crabs are also illegal. Violators face up to two years in prison or fine of up to KRW 20 million.

 

 MOF plans to strengthen the tracking of illegal seafood distribution channels and enhance online monitoring. Additionally, MOF will amend the Enforcement Decree of the Fisheries Act to restrict the processing of catches whose capture or harvest in Korea is prohibited, particularly for species like female crabs that require special resource management.

 

 “We will continue to improve systems to protect fisheries resources and eradicate illegal catch and distribution while strengthening the monitoring of illegal fishery product sales online and offline,” Minister Kang Do-hyung said.

 

 Korean and Japanese crabs can be distinguished by the shape of their mouths. Korean crabs have a straight (“─”) mouth shape, whereas Japanese crabs have an “M” shape. Consumers are advised to check the mouth shape when purchasing crabs.