The amount of marine waste collected from South Korean waters rose nearly 20 percent over four years, with submerged waste such as discarded fishing gear showing a sharper increase, government data showed.
The total volume of marine waste collected increased 19.8 percent, from 120,736 tons in 2021 to 144,615 tons in 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries submitted to Rep. Lee Seong-gwon of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee.
The amount of submerged marine waste, including discarded fishing nets and traps, rose 43.4 percent over the same period, from 18,944 tons to 27,167 tons. The volume peaked at 28,541 tons in 2024 before declining last year.
The government’s budget for marine waste collection has also grown steadily, rising from 75.46 billion won in 2021 to 103.65 billion won in 2025. The allocation for 2026 increased further to 111.42 billion won, up 47.7 percent from 2021.
don@heraldcorp.com