Goseong County Expects Expanded Distribution of Eco-Friendly Set-Net Sinkers on the East Coast... Blocking Marine Pollution

Goseong County's Pilot Project Receives Positive Response
First in Korea to Block Marine Pollution at the Source
Proven Durability Delivers Double Benefits

Goseong County, located at the northernmost tip of the country and known for its pristine environment, has become the first in Korea to introduce and operate eco-friendly fishing sinkers made of zinc-a material developed for the first time in the world to provide a permanent solution to marine pollution. The results show high cost-effectiveness and satisfaction, raising expectations for expanded use along the entire East Coast.

Aerial view of Goseong County Office. Provided by Goseong County, Gangwon Province

In 2022, Goseong County partnered with Oceantech, which developed the world's first eco-friendly zinc sinkers to replace conventional lead sinkers used on various fishing nets. The county replaced sinkers in its northernmost clean waters and conducted a pilot operation.

As part of this initiative, Goseong County attached Oceantech's eco-friendly zinc sinkers to major coastal fishing grounds in the area. The results showed that while traditional lead sinkers gradually erode in the waves and are considered a primary source of heavy metal pollution-causing whitening phenomena and preventing seaweed growth-eco-friendly zinc sinkers are semi-permanent, 40 times stronger than conventional sinkers, and require replacement ten times less frequently. These features are recognized as providing global competitiveness.

Accordingly, major large-scale set-net fisheries in the county have replaced lead with zinc sinkers through the pilot project. This has not only helped preserve the fishing grounds' environment by preventing marine pollution but also improved productivity, earning positive feedback from local fishermen.

Set-net owners in the Goseong region commented, "After using the eco-friendly zinc sinkers in the pilot project, we found them highly competitive in every aspect. Most importantly, they proactively prevent environmental pollution, and continued use will further increase cost-effectiveness, leading to high satisfaction. If this project is strengthened and the application area expanded, it could drive Korea's advancement as a maritime nation, surrounded on three sides by the sea."

Goseong County, the first in Korea to introduce eco-friendly zinc sinkers, has attached them to 10 set-net fishing vessels operating in major coastal waters such as Geojin, Hyeonnae, Jukwang, and Toseong since last year. The county plans to expand their use next year by allocating county and provincial funds.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province also holds a positive stance on the use of eco-friendly zinc sinkers. It is estimated that over 10 million pieces of polluting lead are accumulated along 25,000 hectares of coastal waters from northernmost Goseong to Samcheok. The province is considering expanding the use of eco-friendly zinc sinkers. In particular, there are calls to replace not only set-net and gillnet sinkers but also the weights used in octopus longline fishing (known as "jigari") with eco-friendly zinc.

Kim Jangbok, President of the Goseong County Set-Net Association, stated, "As demonstrated by the pilot project results, the advantages and high cost-effectiveness of eco-friendly zinc sinkers make their wider distribution essential. We hope for more active interest and budget support from the central and regional governments."

A representative from Oceantech, the developer, said, "With over 10 patents and recognition for global competitiveness in terms of eco-friendliness and durability, these sinkers are essential for the advancement of Korea's fisheries industry. We hope, in cooperation with fishermen, local governments, and the central government, to supply them not only along the East Coast but throughout the country."

Ham Myungjun, Mayor of Goseong County, stated, "Based on this pilot project, we hope to transition to a globally advanced fisheries industry tailored to the pristine waters of Goseong. To this end, we will actively gather feedback from fishermen and do our utmost to establish a new turning point for fisheries in Goseong County."

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