The Daejin Fishing Village Association (Head: Kim Tae-seon) in Samcheok City, Gangwon Province, was honored with a commendation from the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries in recognition of its dedication to marine resource creation and marine ecosystem protection, celebrated on the 13th "Ocean Forest Day." This achievement is regarded as an exemplary case of local fishermen proactively creating and preserving a healthy ocean.

 
Meaning of 'Ocean Forest Day' and Daejin Fishing Village Association's Exemplary Activities

'Ocean Forest Day' is a national commemorative day designated as May 10th each year under the Fisheries Resources Management Act. This day was established to raise awareness about the importance of cultivating underwater forests, similar to terrestrial forests, and to inform the public about the severity of degraded marine ecosystems. Ocean forests serve as habitats and spawning grounds for marine organisms, playing a crucial role in enhancing marine biodiversity and restoring fish stocks. Furthermore, their significance is increasingly highlighted due to their contribution to climate change response by absorbing marine carbon dioxide.

The commendation for meritorious service on the 13th Ocean Forest Day was awarded to individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to marine environmental protection, including marine resource creation, red tide countermeasures, and ocean forest creation. The Daejin Fishing Village Association, composed of 48 members, has consistently spearheaded ocean forest creation and fisheries resource protection. Particularly, its active participation and cooperation in the project execution process, especially after being designated as a new area for the 2024 National Ocean Forest Creation Project, were highly praised, leading to this ministerial commendation. The Daejin Fishing Village Association demonstrated its contribution to tangible marine ecosystem improvement through the proactive role of local fishermen, going beyond mere project participation.

 
Fishermen's Efforts and Government Support for a Healthy Ocean

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and related organizations are pursuing various projects to create ocean forests. They are restoring and expanding ocean forests through methods such as seaweed transplantation, artificial reef installation, and harmful organism eradication. At the core of these efforts, the voluntary participation of local fishermen, such as fishing village associations, is highly crucial. The case of the Daejin Fishing Village Association is expected to serve as an opportunity to spread the awareness that fishermen should actively participate in marine environmental protection for sustainable fisheries, beyond simply harvesting marine products.

An official from Samcheok City emphasized, "This award is an achievement where local fishermen have proactively nurtured and protected a healthy marine ecosystem." They further stated, "We will continue our policy efforts to ensure a sustainable fisheries environment and vitalize the fishing village economy, based on the voluntary participation of fishermen." This demonstrates the government's and local authorities' commitment to pursuing marine environmental protection and fishing village development simultaneously in cooperation with fishermen.

 

Importance and Future Outlook of Ocean Forest Creation

Ocean forests, aquatic ecosystems formed primarily by seaweeds, play a vital role, often referred to as the 'lungs of the ocean'. They supply oxygen through photosynthesis and provide shelter and food for various marine organisms, including fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates. They also protect coastlines and reduce coastal erosion by absorbing wave energy. With the recent degradation of ocean forests due to rising seawater temperatures caused by climate change and marine pollution, ocean forest creation is an essential effort for marine ecosystem restoration and climate change response.

Particularly, the problem of disappearing ocean forests due to 'whitening phenomenon' is severe along the Korean coast. Whitening is a phenomenon where marine algae disappear, and calcareous algae attach to rocks, turning them white, akin to the desertification of the marine ecosystem. To prevent this whitening, the government and local authorities are investing massive budgets in ocean forest creation projects and encouraging more fishing village associations to participate through exemplary cases like the Daejin Fishing Village Association.

It is hoped that the Daejin Fishing Village Association in Samcheok City and other fishing village associations across the nation will continue to contribute to marine ecosystem protection and fisheries resource creation, ensuring that our oceans can be passed down to future generations in a richer and healthier state. This will be a significant step not only for the sustainability of fisheries but also for the survival and prosperity of all humanity.