Wando County Accelerates Collection of Marine Debris on Remote Islands

Public-Private Cooperation Targets 37 Islands in 9 Towns and Townships

Wando County in South Jeolla Province is taking full-scale action to address the issue of marine debris on remote islands through public-private cooperation, accelerating efforts to restore clean marine environments.

According to Wando County on the 26th, starting with the collection of about 30 tons of marine debris from island areas such as Nohwa, Masakdo, and Eoryongdo, the county plans to focus on managing 37 remote islands across 9 towns and townships to improve the marine environment and stabilize residents' lives.

Wando County is promoting a marine debris collection project on remote islands in cooperation with the public and private sectors. Photo by Wando County

This project takes into account the unique characteristics of islands where vehicle access is difficult, combining the deployment of cleaning vessels with the use of residents' fishing boats and cranes. The county is expanding support and actively collaborating with the private sector and other organizations to establish an organic response system for on-site collection and transportation.

In fact, on the 4th, a large amount of bulky waste such as discarded fishing gear, buoys, and nets was processed. To minimize inconvenience and damage to residents caused by marine debris, the county operates a “Remote Island Marine Debris Reporting Center” year-round to support collection and management.

In addition to this project, Wando County is running a campaign to distribute commemorative gifts to residents who participate in marine debris collection, actively promoting the importance of marine environmental conservation and the need for participation. The gifts, consisting mainly of eco-friendly items, are intended to encourage residents to practice “environmental protection in daily life.”

The county plans to gradually promote ecosystem restoration and environmental education in areas where collection has been completed, further solidifying Wando County's image as a “clean sea.”

County Governor Shin Woo-cheol stated, “Marine debris is a serious issue that negatively affects not only residents' daily lives but also the fisheries, marine healing, and tourism industries,” adding, “We will do our utmost to protect our precious marine environment, including the county’s remote islands.”