Yeosu Yeoja Bay Mudflat Newly Designated as a 'Wetland Protection Area'

Conservation of Biodiversity and Protection of Endangered Marine Species

Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong) announced on the 30th that approximately 38.81㎢ of the Yeojaman mudflats have been newly designated as a wetland protection area.

According to the city, the Yeojaman mudflats serve as habitats for marine protected species such as the yellow-billed egret, black-faced spoonbill, white-footed fiddler crab, Daeju horn snail, and brackish water snail. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries designated the Yeosu mudflats as a wetland protection area to ensure systematic conservation and management of its rich biodiversity.

[Photo provided by Yeosu City]

As a result, the Yeojaman mudflats, stretching from Yeosu to Suncheon, Boseong, and Goheung, can now be managed as a single, connected protected area on a wide regional scale.

Meanwhile, Yeosu City and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries began consultations to identify candidate sites in July 2022, conducting ▲ research and ecosystem surveys (Aug 2022?Oct 2023) ▲ local resident briefings (Aug 2023?Apr 2024 / 20 sessions) ▲ opinion collection on designation maps and consultations with related agencies (June?July 2024).

During this process, based on comprehensive opinions from residents and project departments, the following areas were excluded from the wetland protection zone: ▲ fishing villages and residential fishing ports (Seomdalcheon Port, Jinmok Port, Bongjeon Port, Gamdo Port) ▲ fishing village revitalization project sites (Sodyeongi Port) ▲ areas with marine bridges and zipline installations (Jinmok Port to Bokgae Island).

A city official stated, “Yeojaman is recognized as a spawning ground for seabirds and a region with outstanding ecological and aesthetic landscapes due to its beautiful coastline and sunsets. We will do our best to preserve the value of Yeosu’s precious marine resources and prevent their degradation.”

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