[Graphic News] Korea’s marine waste up 20% in 4 years

What happened: Government data submitted to Rep. Lee Seong-gwon of the People Power Party shows marine waste collected from South Korean waters rose nearly 20 percent over four years, with submerged waste such as discarded fishing gear rising faster. Key numbers: Total marine waste rose 19.8 percent, from 120,736 tons in 2021 to 144,615 tons in 2025. Why it matters: The data shows collection volumes and government spending both climbing over the period, with submerged waste including fishing nets and traps increasing at a sharper rate than the total.

Government data submitted to Rep. Lee Seong-gwon of the People Power Party shows marine waste collected from South Korean waters rose nearly 20 percent over four years, with submerged waste such as discarded fishing gear rising faster.

The data shows collection volumes and government spending both climbing over the period, with submerged waste including fishing nets and traps increasing at a sharper rate than the total.