[Opinion] Do You Know the Ghosts Catching Fish That Threaten Marine Safety?

Ghost nets are abandoned fishing nets and gear in the sea... "They even stop ships in their tracks"

There are "ghost fishermen" in the sea who catch fish. These ghost fishermen never rest, working 365 days a year to catch marine creatures such as fish, whales, turtles, and even birds that come down to feed. Sometimes, they exert such tremendous force that they can stop sailing vessels in their tracks.

These ghosts are actually abandoned fishing nets and gear discarded in the sea. Abandoned fishing gear traps small fish, which then serve as bait, causing a chain reaction where higher-level predators are caught. This phenomenon resembles ghost fishing, hence it is called "ghost fishing."

According to the National Institute of Fisheries Science, the damage to fishery resources caused by lost fishing nets and gear in the sea amounts to 95,000 tons annually, accounting for 10% of the total annual catch, which translates to approximately 400 billion Korean won.

Chief Superintendent Kwon Oh-sung, Mokpo Maritime Police Station

Marine debris, including abandoned fishing gear, has a fatal adverse impact not only on the marine ecosystem but also on the maritime safety of our citizens. Over the past three years, out of a total of 1,420 maritime accidents within the Mokpo Coast Guard jurisdiction, 277 cases (about 20%) involved entanglement with floating debris. Notably, on the 19th of last month, a fishing vessel weighing 80 tons was stopped near Gageodo Island in Sinan County due to such entanglement.

Since ocean currents constantly flow, entanglement of floating debris in propellers is extremely dangerous. Especially near the coast, vessels that lose steering ability due to debris entanglement can collide with nearby ships or facilities, leading to secondary accidents that may cause harm to citizens' lives and property.

Moreover, once marine debris occurs, it poses a continuous threat to our lives. When strong winds and high waves arise, debris that had settled on the seabed resurfaces and moves. Unless all abandoned marine debris is removed, no sea can be guaranteed safe. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness about preventing the generation of waste in the marine environment in advance.

The Coast Guard has been actively addressing the marine debris issue to ensure maritime safety for the public by conducting marine cleanup activities annually, including collecting abandoned fishing gear in cooperation with local governments. They have also consistently carried out patrols to crack down on illegal dumping and monitor pollution.

With these efforts combined with the active interest and participation of the public in maritime safety, the sea will become safer and cleaner. The Coast Guard will continue to do its best to work with the public to defeat the "ghost fishermen" and create a rich and safe sea.

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