Seogwipo Coast Guard Launches Campaign for Proper Disposal of Fishing Vessel Bilge Water

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters (Jeju) Reporter Hwang Jeongpil] Seogwipo Coast Guard Station (Chief Do Gibum) announced on the 7th that it will promote the ‘Legal Disposal of Fishing Vessel Bilge Water’ campaign together with the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation Seogwipo Branch and local fisheries cooperatives (Seogwipo, Moseulpo, Seongsanpo) until June 30 to create a clean sea.

‘Bilge water’ refers to the liquid oily mixture accumulated at the bottom of a vessel. It is allowed to be discharged into the sea through an oil-water separator, but fishing vessels without an oil-water separator (under 100 tons) must discharge it on land through a pollutant collection and disposal operator (Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation). Violation of this regulation is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

However, some fishing vessels illegally discharge bilge water into the sea to reduce disposal costs.

Seogwipo Coast Guard plans to ▲post banners and posters stating ‘No Bilge Water Discharge’ in areas frequently accessed by fishermen such as fisheries cooperative fuel stations, distribute leaflets and other promotional materials, and conduct on-site publicity activities using police substation electronic display boards ▲provide free collection of bilge water from small fishing vessels (under 10 tons) in cooperation with the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation Seogwipo Branch ▲prevent illegal marine discharge of waste lubricants by attaching real-name labels to lubricant containers ▲conduct preventive consulting on pollutant disposal methods with experts ▲raise fishermen’s awareness through illegal discharge monitoring using unmanned aerial vehicles, thereby encouraging fishermen to voluntarily dispose of bilge water legally through multifaceted publicity.

A Seogwipo Coast Guard official said, “Improving awareness among fishermen themselves to legally dispose of bilge water is the most important factor in creating a clean marine environment,” and added, “Through this campaign, we aim to guide fishermen to legally dispose of bilge water.”