Investigation of Supply Sources Including Illegal Use, Sale, and Transport of Weapon Acid Until April Next Year
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] The West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency (Chief Lee Myung-jun) announced on the 25th that it will launch a special crackdown on the illegal use and distribution of inorganic acid targeting seaweed farms until April next year, coinciding with the seaweed harvesting season.
The government recommends the use of organic acid-based seaweed activators for weed removal and disease control in seaweed farms, but the West Sea Coast Guard has identified that some seaweed farms are using inorganic acids because they are easier to remove foreign substances and have better productivity.
Hydrochloric acid (inorganic acid) is classified as a hazardous chemical substance with a hydrogen chloride concentration of 10% or higher, and inorganic acid with a concentration of 35% is mainly distributed in the market.
The Fisheries Resources Management Act strictly restricts the storage or use of hazardous chemical substances for the purpose of removing foreign substances attached to aquaculture or fishing gear and nets.
The law stipulates that the use of hazardous chemical substances is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won.
Accordingly, the West Sea Coast Guard plans to crack down on the illegal storage and use of inorganic acid at seaweed farms, as well as focus on suppliers who sell or transport illegal inorganic acid.
In addition, prior to the crackdown, they plan to conduct advance publicity and guidance until the 31st.
A representative from the West Sea Coast Guard Investigation Division said, “The indiscriminate use of inorganic acid by some fishermen can cause destruction of the marine ecosystem and distrust of domestically produced seaweed products,” adding, “We plan to strengthen the crackdown.”
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