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

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

The Yellow Sea was considered one of the most polluted sea areas in the world in 2004 due to rapid urbanization and population growth in large coastal cities. During this period, China and South Korea continued to experience direct dumping of waste and influx of pollutants through rivers, which had a significant impact on the marine ecosystem. In particular, the decline in fishery resources and loss of biodiversity were becoming more serious, and the rise in sea water temperatures due to the "heat island phenomenon" was also significantly disrupting the ecological balance. In response to this situation, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) was introduced, and measures were initiated by local communities and municipalities.

In the 2010s, the inflow of industrial wastewater and urban waste further increased. In China, approximately 400 million tons of industrial wastewater was discharged annually, some of which flowed into the Yellow Sea. In South Korea, improper disposal of industrial waste, particularly in Seoul and Incheon, became a problem, further aggravating the pollution of coastal areas. During this period, fishery production also declined, gradually decreasing from an annual catch of 7 million tons in 2015. Meanwhile, the introduction of ICZM accelerated and local governments in China strengthened fisheries management; by 2019, the area of marine protected areas in the Yellow Sea expanded to 100,000 square kilometers.

In the 2020s, environmental problems in the Yellow Sea remain unresolved, with ongoing marine pollution and ecosystem destruction. Fisheries production has further declined, falling to about 6 million tons per year in 2022. As for the impact on the ecosystem, rising sea water temperatures have had a negative impact on biodiversity, causing some fish and shellfish to change habitats. To remedy this situation, China has developed the "Yangtze River Delta Environmental Protection Project," which aims to reduce waste by 100 million tons per year. In South Korea, SK Innovation is also promoting the "Clean Ocean" project and has invested 2 billion won by 2021.

Under the framework of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), both countries are strengthening international cooperation and promoting policies aimed at environmental restoration and sustainable development. However, a long-term perspective is needed, and the challenges include technological innovation and further raising awareness among local communities. The environmental problems in the Yellow Sea are important issues that need to be resolved through cooperation between the local and international communities.