Joint Marine Debris Project with the Republic of Korea
Background | 2008 - Information Sharing | 2009 - Marine Debris Abatement Workshop | Photos | Downloads
Background
Marine debris is a global problem that harms marine wildlife, degrades ocean habitats, interferes with navigation and safety, fishing, and coastal communities, and poses a threat to human health and the global economy. Marine debris does not know political boundaries and travels far beyond its original source to neighboring countries. The most effective way to address this global environmental pollution is to work across country boundaries to share best practices and information to eradicate it from its source.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program and Republic of Korea's Ministry of Land, Transport, and Maritime Affairs (MLTM) and Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MIFAFF) were able to engage in cooperative joint project that help address marine debris globally.
2008 - Information Sharing
Both the U.S. and Republic of Korea have developed various strategies and programs to address the impacts of marine debris. Some of these strategies might be universal in their application. Therefore, to enhance communication and efficiency in marine debris program development, information was shared among NOAA and MLTM representatives.
In April 2008, representatives from the Republic of Korea participated in the NOAA Marine Debris Information Forum to learn about marine debris projects across the U.S. Additionally, meetings were held to discuss future potential joint projects related to marine debris under the Joint Project Agreement between NOAA and MLTM.
In September 2008, staff with the NOAA Marine Debris Program will visit the Republic of Korea to learn more about efforts and activities to address marine debris and participate in the International Coastal Cleanup. Of particular interest is Korea’s Marine Debris Buyback Program with fishermen.
2009 - Marine Debris Abatement Workshop
The NOAA Marine Debris Program coordinated and led a joint workshop focusing on strategies and activities for the prevention of nearshore marine debris with representatives from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Transport, and Maritime Affairs (MLTM), NOAA, BoatUS Foundation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Marine Debris Abatement Workshop was held August 12-13 in Honolulu, HI and is part of a joint marine debris project between NOAA and MLTM. Information was shared on the top four marine debris prevention projects in Korea and the U.S. This information was captured in summary reports that will be compiled into a final workshop proceedings document (to be available soon). Project highlighted include:
Republic of Korea
- A Responsible Management System to Address Land-based Litter from the Nakdong River basin
- South Korea Coastal Cleanup Program for Marine Litter
- Buyback Program for Fishing Gear and Marine Litter from Fishery Activities
- Managing Dedicated Floating Receptacles for Marine Litter
U.S.
- Reel In and Recycle! Monofilament Recycling Program
- Fishing for Energy: A public‐private partnership approach to preventing and reducing derelict fishing gear and Netting Solutions: Hawaii’s Nets to Energy Program and Pier 38 Port Reception Facility
- Hawai‘i Marine Debris Action Plan: Statewide collaboration to address marine debris
- Campaigns that Teach: Diving Deeper into Marine Debris Education
Photos
Group photo during the Marine Debris Information Forum, April 2008, Bethesda, MD.
Group photo during visit to South Korea.
Staff of the NOAA MDP participated in the International Coastal Cleanup in Tongyeong City.
Participants of the 2009 Marine Debris Abatement Workshop held in August 2009 in Honolulu, HI.
Workshops participants went on an all-day field trip to see first-hand Hawaii's Nets to Energy process. Here they are on a tour of Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Corportation's facility.
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