International Coastal Cleanup Day ... Changwon Coast Guard Launches Marine Debris Collection

The Changwon Coast Guard in South Gyeongsang Province launched a sea cleanup operation around the Masanhappo-gu area of Changwon City to mark the 25th International Coastal Cleanup Day.

On the 25th, the Changwon Coast Guard collected marine debris discarded along various parts of the coast, focusing on the intertidal zone in front of the Brown Hands Cafe in Masanhappo-gu.

Changwon Coast Guard, Masan Maritime Affairs Office, and honorary marine environment monitors along with related organization members are collecting marine debris discarded along the coast. Photo by Changwon Coast Guard Station

Approximately 130 people participated in the cleanup, including members from three organizations: the Changwon Coast Guard, Masan Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office, and Happo District Office, as well as the Masan Branch of the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, the Masan Bay Special Management Zone Public-Private-Academic Council, Korea Oil Pipeline Corporation Gyeongnam Branch, Kyongnam Bank, honorary marine environment monitors, and volunteers.

Alongside the cleanup, the Changwon Coast Guard also conducted promotional activities such as marine pollution prevention education and campaigns to raise awareness and foster a sense of shared responsibility regarding the issue of marine debris.

The amount of marine debris collected that day reached approximately 2 tons.

Participants who joined the coastal cleanup activity commemorating the 25th International Coastal Cleanup Day are taking a group photo together. Photo by Changwon Coast Guard Station

International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed annually on the third Saturday of September, is an environmental movement held in countries around the world with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). South Korea has participated in marine environment conservation events since 2001.

Ok Changmook, chief of Changwon Coast Guard, is bending down to pick up marine debris between the rocks. Photo by Changwon Coast Guard

Chief Ok Changmook stated, "We will continue our efforts in marine environment conservation activities so that we can pass on clean and clear seas to future generations," adding, "We hope for the public's interest and active participation in preserving the marine environment."