Japan has confirmed more North Korean fishing boats washed up on its shores in November than any other month on record.

According to Japanese media outlets Tuesday, the Japan Coast Guard said 28 boats were discovered last month, breaking the previous monthly record of 21, which was set in January 2014.

Since 2013, 40 to 85 North Korean fishing boats have been found washed up on Japan's shores every year.

Local experts attribute the increase in cases to the chronic food shortage in North Korea, saying it likely drove crews to venture further out to sea to catch more fish.