ArcGIS based Analysis of Multiple Accident Areas Caused by Marine Plastic Litter in Republic of Korea

Marine accidents involving the entanglement of marine litter have continued to increase, with over 300 to 400 cases per year according to the statistical agency. Entanglement of marine litter may also lead to large-scale marine accidents which cause capsizing and sinking, thereby further causing detrimental casualties and material damages, and thus exceptional attention and care are required. In this study, Incheon, Busan, and Geoje and Tongyeong were found to be the high-frequency locations for accidents, which were selected by considering the ArcGIS analysis about the marine accidents of entanglement of marine litter and the occurrence frequency by the standard. The characteristics of the multiple accident areas involving entanglement of marine litter were the coastal cities where fishing facilities or marine leisure related conditions were activated, with the port which handles much of the traffic of outbound and inbound vessels located nearby. Marine plastic pollution impacts not only the marine ecosystem and food chain, but also the hull and engine of ships, and may further pose threats to the safety of vessels and crews. It is necessary to find a common link between the relevant areas and to strive to remove the root causes of marine accidents by reducing marine litter.