Marine Pollution Incidents in West and South Seas Reach 93 Last Year, Up 30% from Five-Year Average

Over Half of Fishing Vessel Incidents Caused by Negligence
Yeosu Region Records the Highest Number of Cases

Coast Guard officers belonging to the West Sea Coast Guard Agency are conducting marine pollution prevention operations. Photo by West Sea Coast Guard Agency

It has been revealed that marine pollution incidents in the West and South Sea regions last year surged by nearly 30% compared to the average of the past five years. More than half of these incidents were caused by fishing vessels and human negligence, exposing structural weaknesses in marine safety management.

The West Sea Coast Guard Agency announced on January 22 that a total of 93 marine pollution incidents occurred in the West and South Sea regions under its jurisdiction during 2025.

This figure represents an increase of about 30% compared to the annual average of 70 cases from 2021 to 2025. During this period, the total amount of pollutants such as oil spilled reached 16.1 kiloliters.

By type of incident, pollution incidents involving fishing vessels accounted for 48 cases (51.6%), exceeding half of the total. In terms of causes, human factors such as poor management and careless work were the most common, with 35 cases (37.6%). By region, the jurisdiction of the Yeosu Coast Guard recorded the highest number, with 37 cases (39.8%).

The West Sea Coast Guard Agency stated that it responded by deploying pollution control equipment immediately after each incident. In addition, it implemented preemptive measures for vessels at high risk of pollutant leakage, including transferring 246 kiloliters of oil and blocking off 82 locations.

However, there are concerns that more fundamental preventive measures are needed in light of the overall increase in the number of incidents.

A representative from the West Sea Coast Guard Agency said, "Large-scale oil spills caused by negligence or vessel accidents can become a reality at any time. We will focus on intensive management of areas vulnerable to marine pollution, actively promote the marine pollution reporting reward system, and strengthen guidance and enforcement for maritime workers."