Shinan-gun Collects 15 Tons of Sargassum Horneri and Other Seaweed from Hongdo Waters

Promoting Regular Monthly Marine Cleanup Activities Together with Related Organizations

[Sinan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Jae-kyung] On the 1st, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, conducted marine cleanup activities at Mongdol Beach and the coastline following a massive influx of Sargassum horneri in the waters around Hongdo Island.

About 50 participants, including the Hongdo Management Office, the National Park Hongdo Exploration Support Center, related organizations, and village residents, collected 15 tons of Sargassum horneri and marine debris left along the coast.

Sargassum horneri causes foul odors and pollutes the natural scenery when it accumulates along the coast. It also attaches to aquaculture facilities, damaging the quality of seafood products, and requires manpower and time for removal, leading to fishing industry damage and income reduction.

The Hongdo Management Office decided to carry out regular monthly marine cleanup activities together with related organizations to preserve Hongdo’s natural environment, which boasts exceptional scenic beauty.

Goseong-min, head of the Hongdo Management Office, stated, “With the lifting of social distancing and the transition to a daily quarantine system, the number of tourists is increasing significantly. We will do our best to ensure visitors remember Hongdo as a clean and beautiful island.”