Effective next Monday, all farms will be prohibited from installing new Styrofoam buoys, irrespective of when these buoys were originally acquired. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced a ban on the installation of new buoys made from Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene) at all aquaculture fishing grounds, starting from November 13. Styrofoam buoys have been recognized as a significant contributor to the issue of marine microplastics.
The restriction on new Styrofoam buoy installations has been in effect for submerged aquaculture farms, such as those cultivating seaweed and oysters, since November of the previous year. This regulation is outlined in the amended Fishery Management Act.
Effective next Monday, all farms will be prohibited from installing new Styrofoam buoys, irrespective of when these buoys were originally acquired. The ban is determined by the initial installation on the fishing grounds, and any violations will incur fines of up to 2 million won.
Styrofoam buoys, frequently used in fish farms, have been identified as a major environmental concern due to their propensity to break down into microplastics during use, leading to damage in the fishing environment.
To facilitate the recovery of waste buoys, the ministry intends to introduce a deposit system for their voluntary collection. Additionally, the ministry is actively promoting the proper treatment of collected waste Styrofoam buoys and the distribution of certified buoys that are less likely to generate microplastics.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
