[Report] Live Fish Trucks Dump Seawater on Roads... Authorities Stand By

Wando Live Fish Transport Trucks Illegally Discharge Seawater,
Raising Risk of Traffic Accidents
Road Corrosion Occurs 2 to 3 Times Faster,
Frequent Damage to Ordinary Vehicles

Live fish transport trucks operating around the fish market area in Wando, South Jeolla Province, are illegally discharging seawater onto the roads while driving, increasing the risks of road damage, vehicle corrosion, and traffic accidents. Residents are increasingly dissatisfied as enforcement is virtually nonexistent.

Around 8 a.m. on the 5th, several trucks carrying live fish were parked in front of a direct sales market in Wando County. Some vehicles departed with the drainage valves of their live fish tanks open, causing seawater to flow out from under the trucks and spread along the road as they moved.

Driver Mr. A said, "While following a live fish truck, I was startled when water suddenly poured out from under the vehicle ahead. I had to brake suddenly to avoid it, and nearly collided with the car behind me."

Live fish trucks traveling around the Wando area are illegally discharging seawater onto the roads, increasing the risks of road damage and vehicle corrosion. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

This kind of seawater discharge while driving is witnessed almost daily on roads near the Wando fish market. It is estimated that a single live fish transport vehicle releases anywhere from several dozen liters to over 100 liters of seawater per trip.

After the seawater spills onto the road and dries, salt residue remains, turning the road surface white and making lane markings faint, causing inconvenience for drivers. In particular, during winter, the seawater can freeze and become 'black ice,' leading to frequent slip accidents.

Resident Mr. B of Wando-eup said, "Live fish trucks dumping seawater is nothing new. They only put up banners about enforcement, but I have never seen any actual crackdown."

An employee at a local auto repair shop explained, "Salt weakens the binding strength of asphalt, shortening the road's lifespan. If seawater repeatedly comes into contact with the road, it can be damaged two to three times faster than regular roads."

Live fish transport drivers cite practical difficulties. Driver Mr. C said, "For live fish, supplying oxygen and maintaining water temperature are crucial, so the water must be changed regularly. It takes time to discharge it into a sewer, so we have no choice but to release it while driving."

He added, "If we continue to carry seawater, the weight increases and fuel efficiency drops. Most drivers drain the seawater before entering highways. If the seafood dies, we may be required to pay compensation, which makes us drive faster."

Article 39 of the current Road Traffic Act stipulates that a fine of up to 200,000 won may be imposed for illegally discharging pollutants onto the road while driving. However, it is pointed out that enforcement is difficult while vehicles are in motion and the penalty is too low to be effective.

Last year, a banner prohibiting illegal seawater discharge was put up near the fish market, but no substantial enforcement has taken place. This problem is not limited to Wando but is repeatedly occurring at major fishery ports nationwide, including Jagalchi Market in Busan, Yeonan Pier in Incheon, and Dongmyeong Port in Sokcho.

A representative from a local environmental group emphasized, "There needs to be a clear provision in the Road Act or Road Traffic Act prohibiting the illegal discharge of seawater. Practical sanctions, such as imposing fines through municipal ordinances, are necessary."

The representative continued, "Drivers are aware of the problem, but there are no suitable discharge facilities. If dedicated seawater discharge facilities are established, there is a high likelihood that drivers will use them voluntarily."

An official from the Wando Police Station stated, "It is difficult to catch offenders on the spot because drivers stop discharging when they see a police car. Undercover enforcement or a constant monitoring system is needed. In the future, we plan to promote the ban on discharges and combine enforcement in the long term."