Yellow Sea - China & South Korea - Environmental Issues from 2004 to the 2020s

Yellow Sea - China & South Korea - Environmental Issues from 2004 to the 2020s

The Yellow Sea became one of the most polluted marine areas globally by 2004 due to rapid urbanization and population growth in its coastal metropolises. During this period, in China and South Korea, the direct disposal of waste and pollutants carried via rivers significantly impacted marine ecosystems. Severe issues included the depletion of fishery resources and the loss of biodiversity, while the "heat island effect" caused by urbanization raised sea temperatures, disrupting the ecological balance. To counter this, integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) initiatives began, with local communities and municipalities taking action.

By the 2010s, industrial wastewater and urban waste inflows increased further. China discharged approximately 400 million tons of industrial wastewater annually, part of which flowed into the Yellow Sea. South Korea faced improper handling of industrial waste, especially in Seoul and Incheon, exacerbating coastal pollution. Meanwhile, fishery production continued to decline, with annual catches dropping from 7 million tons in 2015. Conversely, ICZM adoption accelerated, with Chinese local governments strengthening fishery management. By 2019, the area of marine protected zones in the Yellow Sea expanded to 100,000 square kilometers.

In the 2020s, the Yellow Sea's environmental issues remain unresolved, with ongoing marine pollution and ecosystem degradation. Fishery production further decreased to approximately 6 million tons annually by 2022. The rise in sea temperatures adversely affected biodiversity, causing some marine species to alter their habitats. To address these challenges, China launched the "Yangtze River Delta Environmental Protection Project," aiming to reduce 100 million tons of waste annually. In South Korea, SK Innovation implemented the "Clean Ocean" initiative, investing 20 billion won in 2021 to reduce Yellow Sea pollution.

Under the framework of ICZM, both countries are strengthening international cooperation and promoting policies for environmental restoration and sustainable development. However, long-term perspectives are necessary, with technological innovations and increased awareness among local communities seen as critical to solving these issues. The Yellow Sea's environmental problems demand solutions through regional and international collaboration.