Invisible Currents, Visible Consequences: Marine Pollution Threatens Ulleungdo and Dokdo

Each wave that crashes onto the shore of Ulleungdo and Dokdo may carry more than seawater—it often delivers a grim reminder of humanity’s growing environmental negligence. Imagine hiking the untouched cliffs of Dokdo, only to find plastic bottles, torn fishing nets, and weathered Styrofoam fragments scattered among the rocks. The tragedy? Much of this waste didn’t originate from these isolated islands. Rather, it drifted in from distant coastlines, carried invisibly across the ocean by winds and relentless currents. This isn't just litter—it’s an ecological time bomb, threatening to unravel marine life ecosystems and push endangered species toward extinction.

Marine pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an estimated 14 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. In 2024 alone, global plastic production reached 220 million tons, with roughly 69.5 million tons being improperly managed. The consequences are profound: these plastics fragment into microplastics that persist for centuries, infiltrating food chains, contaminating seafood, and even appearing in human bloodstreams. Yet the most alarming fact remains that no place on Earth is immune—not even the remote volcanic islands of Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

Situated in the East Sea of Korea, Ulleungdo and Dokdo are not just geopolitical symbols, but ecological sanctuaries. They are home to numerous rare and endangered species, including the Korean searaven, black-tailed gulls, and even marine mammals like the spotted seal. However, marine researchers have reported a disturbing trend: the debris polluting their coastal waters is largely not the result of local activity. Rather, it is marine litter carried from external sources, swept in by transboundary ocean currents and typhoon-driven winds. Studies from South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries show that marine waste discovered along the Ulleungdo and Dokdo coasts is composed predominantly of foreign-origin plastic, including packaging, fishing gear, and containers—materials that damage habitats, entangle marine life, and leach toxins into the environment.

This situation is more than an eyesore; it is an ecological crisis. Floating debris creates artificial barriers that disrupt coral growth and hinder photosynthesis in phytoplankton, the foundation of marine food webs. Microplastics have been detected in the digestive systems of fish and shellfish in nearby waters, raising concerns for both environmental integrity and public health. The fragile biodiversity of Ulleungdo and Dokdo, already vulnerable due to geographic isolation, is now under threat from an invasion of indestructible pollutants.

So how do we fight a crisis that knows no borders?

The first line of defense lies in science and innovation. Biodegradable materials must replace conventional plastics in marine industries, particularly in fishing and aquaculture. Research teams in East Asia are now developing buoys and nets made from natural polymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and seaweed-based films. These materials degrade within a few years without releasing harmful chemicals. Simultaneously, engineers are advancing automated marine-cleaning systems—vessel-mounted nets and solar-powered skimmers that collect floating waste in targeted zones, especially near high-biodiversity areas.

Monitoring technology also plays a critical role. The use of Earth-observing satellites, such as NASA’s CYGNSS system, enables real-time tracking of microplastic hotspots in global oceans. This allows governments and NGOs to respond quickly, deploying cleanup resources where they are most needed. In tandem, scientists are exploring biological interventions: enzymes derived from bacteria such as Ideonella sakaiensis have demonstrated the ability to break down PET plastics, while certain marine fungi have been found to digest polystyrene, opening the door to future bioremediation techniques that are both scalable and safe.

But technology alone is not enough. Preventing marine pollution requires systemic change. Single-use plastics must be phased out through both policy and consumer education. Nations must implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that hold manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. At the same time, community-based recycling and coastal waste interception programs need to be expanded, especially in regions whose waste contributes disproportionately to ocean plastic flows.

International cooperation is paramount. As Ulleungdo and Dokdo have shown, marine pollution is a transboundary issue. In 2022, over 180 nations agreed to begin drafting the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty, which aims to legally bind nations to limit plastic production and improve waste management by 2040. South Korea, Japan, and China—key nations influencing the East Sea—must actively collaborate in enforcing marine debris control agreements, sharing data, and conducting joint cleanups in disputed or shared waters.

Ultimately, what happens in Ulleungdo and Dokdo is a microcosm of what’s happening across the planet’s oceans. These islands, remote yet vulnerable, symbolize the global stakes of ocean conservation. By addressing the root causes of marine pollution—plastic dependency, ineffective waste systems, and weak international enforcement—we not only safeguard these iconic islands but also fulfill the promise of the 14th UN Sustainable Development Goal: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. If we allow marine pollution to persist unchecked, we risk turning oceans—the lifeblood of our planet—into vast plastic deserts. But with coordinated action, science-based solutions, and public will, we can turn the tide and restore the beauty, biodiversity, and health of marine ecosystems for generations to come. 

Citations 

Condor Ferries. Marine & Ocean Pollution Statistics & Facts. Condor Ferries, 2024, www.condorferries.co.uk/marine-ocean-pollution-statistics-facts . Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Earth.Org. “10 Scientific Solutions to Plastic Pollution.” Earth.Org, 2023, earth.org/scientific-solutions-to-plastic-pollution . Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

GreenMatch. “Ocean Pollution Facts and Statistics 2024.” GreenMatch UK, 2024, www.greenmatch.co.uk/ocean-pollution-facts . Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Marine Plastic Pollution: Issues Brief. IUCN, Apr. 2024, www.iucn.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/marine-plastic-pollution-issues-brief_nov21-april-2024-small-update_0.pdf . Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Korea Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. 해양쓰레기 관리 정책. Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, 2024, www.dokdo.re.kr/eng/cms/cmsCont.do?cntnts_sn=220 . Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Oceanic Society. “7 Ways to Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution Today.” Oceanic Society, 2023, www.oceanicsociety.org/resources/7-ways-to-reduce-ocean-plastic-pollution-today . Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

The Guardian. “Can Eco-Machines Fix the Ocean? John Todd's Bold Vision for a Cleaner Future.” The Guardian, 10 Apr. 2025, www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/apr/10/scientists-john-todd-eco-machines-pollution-technology-ships-oceans. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.