VLADIVOSTOK, April 22, ДВ-РОСС. Deliveries of Russian crab through the South Korean port of Donghae (Gangwon Province) in the Republic of Korea for the first 3 months of 2010 decreased by 41% compared to the same period last year.

In the first quarter of 2010, according to the customs post Donghae port, significantly reduced the import of snow crabs sawdust Russian origin. The first is associated with increased control over its illegal fishing by the relevant Russian agencies.

At 28% and reduced customs duties for the first quarter of 2010, received from crab importers — to 4 billion won (3.5 million dollars) last year to 2.9 billion won (2.6 million) in the present.

Since July, South Korean experts are predicting an even greater decline in imports of crab in connection with the entry into force of the agreements between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea on combating IUU-fishing. For established over two decades in South Korea industry distribution of Russian crab means huge losses.

After the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea, using the weakness and corruption of controlling fishing patterns, the Russian fishermen, smugglers, together with the Korean poachers have created an entire industry for the extraction and transportation of snow crabs sawdust. The largest center for imports of illegally produced crab has a small port in Kangwon Province — Donghae. Over 20 years of industry imports of Russian king crab in the whole area appeared aimed at servicing the needs of Russian sailors and very reminiscent of the Chinese border city.

Today Donghae residents fear that with the departure of Russian fishermen the city’s economy will slide to the level of two decades ago, said Fishnews.ru. Although there is an opposite opinion: the fishermen will be replaced by tourists from Russia (since last summer between Donghae and Vladivostok regular ferry connection), the city will become much calmer, and the port city of Donghae can turn into a resort.