Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Urgently Collects and Disposes of Marine Debris Caused by Heavy Rainfall

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 11th that it is actively supporting the collection and disposal of marine debris caused by heavy rainfall and will ensure the prompt handling of marine debris generated by typhoons.

Recently, floating debris carried from the Yeongsan River and other sources has spread over an estimated area of 97,000㎡ off the coast of Mokpo, causing inconvenience to vessel navigation and other activities.

In response, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has deployed two patrol vessels (Mokpo Cheonghae-ho, 64 tons; Cheonghae 2-ho, 82 tons) and one fishing port management vessel (Eohang Seohae 5-ho, 59 tons) at Mokpo Port to collect marine debris. Additionally, one fishing port management vessel (Eohang Namhae 1-ho, 59 tons) stationed in Wando will be urgently dispatched to accelerate the collection and disposal operations.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has provided 234 million KRW, which is 50% of the 468 million KRW cost required for collecting and disposing of marine debris in Gangwon Province, which was damaged by heavy rainfall. The Ministry also plans to quickly assess the amount of marine debris generated in other coastal areas and support the costs for collection and disposal.