Yeosu City Intensifies Marine Debris Collection at Tourist Sites During Summer Vacation Season

Deployment of Purification and Cleaning Vessels
Over 1,600 Tons Processed in the First Half of the Year

Yeosu City is conducting intensive marine debris collection activities around major tourist attractions, including beaches that attract many tourists during the summer vacation season. Photo by Yeosu City

On July 22, Yeosu City in South Jeolla Province announced that it is conducting intensive marine debris collection activities around major tourist attractions, including beaches that attract many visitors during the summer vacation season. The city has deployed two purification vessels and one cleaning vessel to focus on collecting marine debris in island areas such as Geomundo and Yeondo.

In particular, the city is encouraging voluntary participation from fishermen through the "Marine Debris Buyback Program for Waste Retrieved During Fishing Operations." When fishermen bring in marine debris in sacks, they receive support payments that vary according to the volume collected.

The incentive system provides 10,000 KRW for 100 liters, 4,000 KRW for 40 liters, and 20,000 KRW for 200 liters. Through this program, approximately 400 tons of debris were purchased in the first half of the year alone. The city has set a marine debris collection target of 2,800 tons for this year and has already collected about 1,600 tons in the first half.

Additionally, the city has mobilized 6,600 temporary workers to maximize efforts in debris collection. During heat waves, the city prioritizes workers' health by suspending operations and providing neck coolers and ice vests to ensure their safety.

A city official stated, "We are doing our utmost to create a clean marine environment ahead of the 2026 World Island Expo."

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