"On March 21st (Thursday), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister Kang Do-Hyung) held a launching ceremony of an eco-friendly hybrid national fisheries guidance vessel at its dedicated pier of the Donghae Fisheries Management Group (located in Gijang-gun, Busan). The Ministry built five national fishery guidance vessels over a two-year and five-month construction period starting in September 2021, investing a total budget of KRW 143.8 billion to replace old vessels and to enhance enforcement against illegal fishing and ensure the safety of seafarers and enforcement officials. Mugunghwa 18 and 19 will be assigned to the Namhae Fishery Management Group to monitor the southernmost waters between Korea and Japan, while Mugunghwa 20, 21, and 22 will be assigned to the Donghae Fishery Management Group to monitor the operations at the northernmost waters, restricted waters, and Donghae Bank (previously Daehwa Bank)* of the East Sea. The newly launched vessels will be at the forefront of illegal fishing enforcement, supporting the stable operations of Korean fishing vessels and conducting supervisory enforcement missions against domestic and international illegal fishing."