Gwangyang Steelworks Clean Ocean Volunteer Group Conducts Underwater Cleanup to Preserve Marine Ecosystem

Collecting Marine Debris at Shindeok Port on the 20th
POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks Clean Ocean Volunteer Group Leads Underwater Cleanup Activities
Over 9,500 Participants Have Removed 1,072 Tons of Waste Since Inception

The Clean Ocean Volunteer Group of POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks (headed by Ko Jae-yoon) carried out an underwater volunteer activity on June 20 near Gwangyang Steelworks, at the Yeosu Shindeok Port area, taking the lead in restoring the marine ecosystem.

This underwater cleanup activity, which involved 45 participants, also included the Yeosu Coast Guard and the local fishing village association, further strengthening the spirit of coexistence with the local community.

The Gwangyang Steelworks Clean Ocean Volunteer Group conducted an underwater cleanup activity at Shindeok Port on the 20th in collaboration with the Yeosu Coast Guard. Photo by Gwangyang Steelworks

The Gwangyang Steelworks Clean Ocean Volunteer Group originated as a scuba diving club for employees and was officially established as a talent volunteer group in 2009. Currently, about 20 members are active in the group. The Clean Ocean Volunteer Group has been at the forefront of marine ecosystem conservation, especially in combating marine desertification. They have regularly conducted underwater cleanup activities in the waters near Gwangyang and Yeosu, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity and supporting the convenience of local fishermen.

The members carry out their volunteer activities using equipment such as suits and respirators provided with POSCO's support, and they also receive training to obtain scuba diving certifications, thereby enhancing their expertise in marine cleanup activities.

During this volunteer activity, the Clean Ocean Volunteer Group not only collected indiscriminately discarded waste such as plastic debris, abandoned fishing gear, and tires, but also conducted marine ecosystem surveys, taking the lead in maintaining a sustainable marine environment. In addition, they worked to remove predatory species such as starfish and sea urchins, which are considered major culprits in the depletion of marine resources.

The Clean Ocean Volunteer Group is expanding its volunteer activities in collaboration with POSCO group companies to areas such as Ulleungdo, Geoje Island, and Geomundo, where artificial forests called 'Triton' have been established, thereby also contributing to the creation of marine forests.

Since its founding, more than 9,500 people have participated in the Gwangyang Steelworks Clean Ocean Volunteer Group, collecting a cumulative total of 1,072 tons of marine waste.

Jung Jungyoung, head of the Clean Ocean Volunteer Group, stated, "What began as a small movement out of love for the sea has transformed into a meaningful activity that takes the lead in preserving the marine ecosystem together with the local community," adding, "We will continue to raise awareness of the importance of the sea and strive consistently for a sustainable marine environment."