A murre entangled in a discarded gillnet. (Photo courtesy of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology)
JEJU, South Korea, March 13 (Korea Bizwire) — A growing number of marine animals are dying after becoming entangled in discarded fishing nets and other ocean waste, with more than 10% of affected species classified as endangered, according to a new study.
The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) announced on Thursday that it has published an analysis of two decades of data (2001–2023) on marine animal entanglement, revealing the severe threat that marine debris poses to biodiversity along South Korea’s coasts and seabeds. The findings were published in an international scientific journal.
The study, conducted jointly by KIOST and the non-governmental organization East Asia Marine Cooperation Ocean, examined records collected over the past three years from wildlife rescue centers across South Korea. It also analyzed media reports, citizen-submitted records on online platforms, and direct observations from scuba divers to assess the extent of marine animal entanglement caused by human waste.
A red-breasted merganser entangled in recreational fishing gear. (Photo courtesy of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology)
Hundreds of Marine Animals Caught in Debris, with Threats Rising
Researchers identified 428 cases of marine animals—spanning 77 species, including seabirds, sea turtles, fish, and marine mammals—becoming entangled in debris such as fishing lines, hooks, and abandoned gear over the past 20 years.
The study classified debris by type and material, assessing its impact on different species based on habitat and feeding strategies. Statistical analysis revealed a steady annual increase in entanglement cases, with species living in shallow coastal waters and near the shore being particularly vulnerable.
Seabirds such as black-tailed gulls, which forage along coastlines, were most frequently entangled in fishing lines and hooks. Meanwhile, sea turtles and dolphins, which primarily feed underwater, were disproportionately affected by abandoned fishing gear.
Alarmingly, 13% of documented entanglements (44 cases across 10 species) involved animals listed as “threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. These include the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), both of which are internationally protected species.
Environmental organizations in South Korea are calling on the government to play a more assertive role in pushing for ambitious measures to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. (Image courtesy of Kobiz Media)
Call for Action on Marine Waste Crisis
“This study provides a comprehensive long-term assessment of how marine waste is harming coastal and deep-sea wildlife,” a KIOST spokesperson said. “We hope it will raise public awareness and drive stronger conservation efforts.”
Dr. Roh Hee-jin, lead researcher at KIOST’s Ecological Risk Research Division, and Hong Sun-wook, director of East Asia Marine Cooperation Ocean, emphasized that the findings underscore the urgent need for action.
“The data clearly illustrate the real threat that marine debris poses to biodiversity and ocean ecosystems,” they said, acknowledging the contributions of wildlife rescue centers and citizen groups in gathering critical information.
KIOST President Lee Hee-seung stressed the global importance of addressing marine waste. “This issue is not just a national concern but a pressing international environmental challenge,” he said. “Stronger global cooperation is essential to solving this crisis. We expect that these findings will play a crucial role in shaping future marine conservation policies and increasing public awareness.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
