Coast Guard Agency Strengthens Crackdown on Marine Pollution to Protect Export Oyster Production Areas

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The Korea Coast Guard will intensively crack down on marine pollution activities from the 15th of this month to the 12th of next month to actively support the export industry of shellfish.

This crackdown is conducted periodically according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' "Korea Shellfish Hygiene Plan" and will be carried out jointly with related organizations such as the National Institute of Fisheries Science and local governments.

In particular, this is to prepare for the hygiene inspection of Korean oyster export waters scheduled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration next month. If norovirus, which causes food poisoning in oysters and other shellfish, is detected, it could lead to export suspension and cause serious economic losses in the region.

The main crackdown targets illegal discharge of sewage, oil residues accumulated under ships (bilge), etc., from passenger ships, fishing boats, and cage aquaculture farms navigating the relevant waters.

The Coast Guard will conduct land and sea enforcement activities through police substations and patrol vessels, as well as aerial patrols by deploying fixed-wing drones equipped with cameras.

Additionally, maritime guidance broadcasts regarding proper sewage treatment will be made to vessels in navigation through the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives' Fishing Vessel Safety Operation Bureau.

Illegal discharge of sewage from ships can result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won under the Marine Environment Management Act.

A Korea Coast Guard official stated, "We will do our best to protect the marine environment to support the establishment of export routes and stable supply of shellfish."

Meanwhile, the government has designated and manages seven production waters for export shellfish, totaling approximately 34,435 hectares, including Hansan and Geoje Bay, Jaran Bay and Saryangdo, and Gamak Bay.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.