Sagot Beach on Baengnyeong Island, 209 kilometers west of Seoul, is covered with garbage and debris in this file photo. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — According to a recent report, the quantity of marine debris amassed within the nation’s marine national parks saw a significant increase last year compared to previous years, surpassing a total of 2,000 tons.
This data, originally sourced from the Korea National Park Service, was revealed by a member of the ruling People Power Party.
Over the course of the past five years, spanning from July 2018 to July 2023, a cumulative total of 6,008 tons of marine debris was gathered from four different marine national parks situated across the country.
These parks include Hallyeohaesang National Park.
Breaking down the figures by year, the collection amounts were as follows: 708 tons in 2018, 620 tons in 2019, 680 tons in 2020, 780 tons in 2021, and a substantial surge to 2,058 tons in 2022.
This accounts for an astonishing 309.6 percent increase compared to the average amount of debris collected in the preceding four years (2018-2021), which stood at 697 tons.
In the first seven months of this year, a total of 1,062 tons of marine debris has already been collected from marine national parks.
Examining the data by specific national parks, it is apparent that Hallyeohaesang National Park led the way in debris collection over the last five years, amassing a total of 2,027 tons.
Following closely behind were Dadohaehaesang National Park with 1,994 tons, Taeanhaean National Park with 1,315 tons, and Byeonsanbando National Park with 672 tons.
Rep. Lim Lee-ja of the People Power Party who disclosed this information highlighted the detrimental impact of marine litter on the ecosystem, pointing out that it contributes to various forms of damage, such as pollution of the marine environment and the endangerment of marine life habitats.
Furthermore, some coastal and island areas within the national parks are difficult to access, making the garbage collection process more challenging.
Therefore, collaborative efforts with relevant organizations are essential to formulate an effective marine debris management plan, asserted the lawmaker.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
