Mokpo, South Korea – The Mokpo Coast Guard (Chief: Chae Su-jun) has announced the operation of a "Marine Pollution Reporting Reward System" as a proactive measure to protect the marine environment and prevent pollution incidents. This initiative aims to minimize marine pollution damage by encouraging public participation through financial rewards for citizens who witness the discharge of pollutants from vessels or marine facilities, or discover pollutants spilled at sea. Rewards range from a minimum of 50,000 KRW to a maximum of 3,000,000 KRW, depending on the type and quantity of the pollutants.

The effectiveness of this system is already evident in several successful cases. Notable examples of reward payouts include: 2,020,000 KRW to an individual who reported a cargo ship oil spill in October 2021; 3,000,000 KRW to a reporter of a dredging vessel sinking incident in July 2022; and 300,000 KRW to someone who reported an oil spill from a passenger ship in July 2024. These cases demonstrate the significant contribution of public reporting to marine pollution response and damage reduction.

Reporting marine pollution is easily accessible to all citizens. Individuals can make a report by calling the emergency hotline 119 or by visiting the nearest Coast Guard station or branch office. Notably, the Mokpo Coast Guard has a flexible policy of offering rewards even when the polluter is not identified, provided the initial report significantly aids in identifying the source of the pollution during the subsequent investigation. This encourages more active participation from the public.

Chief Chae Su-jun emphasized, "The active interest and participation of the public are essential for creating a clean marine environment. We earnestly request that anyone who discovers marine pollution not hesitate to report it immediately." He further expressed his expectation that the marine pollution reporting reward system will play a crucial role in raising public awareness about marine environmental protection and promoting voluntary surveillance activities.

To enhance public understanding of the reporting process and reward system, the Mokpo Coast Guard is actively engaged in various promotional activities. They are distributing relevant posters at Coast Guard offices and high-traffic areas such as coastal passenger terminals to improve accessibility for citizens. Detailed information is also available on the official Mokpo Coast Guard website, encouraging widespread public involvement.

Marine pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and causes substantial economic losses to the fishing and tourism industries. Various sources, including oil spills, illegal dumping of waste, and ballast water discharge from ships, contribute to this problem. Once pollution occurs, the damage can take a long time and significant resources to rectify. Therefore, proactive prevention and rapid response are paramount.

In this context, the Mokpo Coast Guard's marine pollution reporting reward system is considered a highly effective policy tool. By establishing a voluntary public surveillance network, it not only enables the early detection and swift response to marine pollution incidents but also serves as a deterrent to potential polluters.

The aforementioned reward cases clearly illustrate how crucial public reports are in preventing the spread of large-scale marine pollution incidents and facilitating prompt containment efforts. The eyes and ears of the public enhance the Coast Guard's surveillance capabilities, contributing significantly to safeguarding clean and safe seas.

The efforts of the Mokpo Coast Guard extend beyond the local level, representing an important step towards protecting South Korea's overall marine environment. Preserving the environment of the Mokpo sea area, a vital hub on the west coast, is essential for maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem throughout the country.

The Mokpo Coast Guard plans to continue operating the marine pollution reporting reward system and further strengthen its marine environmental protection activities through active communication and cooperation with citizens. The interest and active participation of all citizens who use or live near the sea, including anglers, ship personnel, and local residents, will be the most powerful force in creating a clean ocean. It is hoped that the combined efforts of the Mokpo Coast Guard and the public will ensure that the blue and healthy West Sea is passed down intact to future generations.