Jeju Coast Guard Conducts On-Site Inspection to Prevent Illegal Disposal of Abandoned Fishing Gear

Published 09 Jul.2024 10:32(KST)

Jeju Maritime Police Station (Chief Ji Guk-hyun) announced on the 9th that from the 15th of this month to the 2nd of next month, it will conduct on-site inspections in cooperation with related organizations such as the Fisheries Management Unit, local governments, and the Fisheries Cooperative to prevent illegal disposal of abandoned fishing gear.

This joint inspection was promoted to prevent marine accidents such as vessel propeller entanglement caused by illegal disposal of abandoned fishing gear, marine pollution, and to protect the marine ecosystem.

Jeju Coast Guard Station building. [Photo by Jeju Coast Guard]

Jeju Maritime Police will focus on verifying the proper disposal of abandoned fishing gear generated from fishing vessels, and plans to simultaneously inspect and crack down on the field implementation status of fishing gear management systems such as the fishing gear production and sales registration system, fishing gear deposit system, and the ban on the use of new styrofoam buoys.

In addition, according to the amendment of the Marine Environment Management Act, they will check whether fishing vessels over 100 tons or with a maximum crew of 15 or more have records and keep waste logs and waste management plans.

Before the inspection, there will be a promotion and preliminary guidance period until the 12th to raise awareness of the severity of damage caused by abandoned fishing gear, and actively promote that pollutants generated during fishing operations (abandoned fishing gear, bilge water, etc.) should be brought back to land for proper disposal.

A Jeju Maritime Police official said, “Most of the marine litter is caused by abandoned fishing gear,” and added, “We ask for the active participation of fishermen, fishing gear operators, and related workers in efforts to protect the sea.”