Kyushu Northern Region Marine Pollution - Current Status in the 2020s

Kyushu Northern Region Marine Pollution - Current Status in the 2020s

Marine pollution in the northern region of Kyushu remains a serious issue throughout the 2020s. In particular, industrial activities and marine logistics in coastal areas such as Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture and Nagasaki Prefecture have led to significant pollution. According to the report released by the 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in 2023, approximately 60 cases of marine pollution were reported annually in the northern Kyushu area, with about 35 cases caused by oil spills. These include oil leaks from ships and the discharge of waste oil from factories, which were notably prevalent around Kitakyushu City, a hub for maritime traffic.

Pollutants of concern in the 2020s include not only oil and diesel fuel but also microplastics and hazardous chemicals. Around 20% of marine pollution is attributed to the illegal disposal of waste, much of which contains microplastics. In Hakata Bay near Fukuoka City, a large volume of plastic products and tiny fragments are drifting in the water. Additionally, agricultural runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus remains a problem, contributing to the increased occurrence of red tides. In 2022, a major red tide occurred off the coast of the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, causing significant damage to the fishing industry.

Corporate responsibility is also being questioned, especially with large corporations like ENEOS (formerly Nippon Oil) and Mitsubishi Chemical, both of which operate factories in Kitakyushu City. Proper disposal of industrial waste remains a key issue. These companies have been strengthening measures to prevent oil and chemical leaks, but inadequate waste treatment is still being reported. In 2021, a chemical spill from a Kitakyushu factory raised concerns about water quality in the surrounding sea areas.

Since the beginning of the 2020s, the national and local governments in Kyushu, along with private companies, have been collaborating to strengthen measures against marine pollution. For example, Kitakyushu City launched the "Marine Plastic Zero Promotion Plan" in 2022, working with local businesses to reduce microplastic pollution. Additionally, ENEOS and Mitsubishi Chemical have been introducing technologies to reduce hazardous substances in factory wastewater and are advancing systems that utilize renewable energy.

However, oil spills from both domestic and international ships and improper waste disposal remain significant challenges, keeping the marine environment in the northern region of Kyushu in a critical state.