Seoul: South Korea's oceans ministry announced plans to almost double its marine protected areas by 2027, in an effort to combat climate change. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries revealed this initiative in a report marking the beginning of the second half of President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration. The report emphasizes the goal of creating a sustainable marine ecosystem for future generations, aligning with Yoon's term, which concludes in May 2027. The plan aims to expand the marine protected areas from covering 1.8 percent of South Korean waters to 3 percent within the next few years. To address marine pollution, the initiative focuses on substantially reducing waste at sea, particularly targeting abandoned fishing gear such as nets and buoys, which constitute 75 percent of the waste. The government also intends to enhance the deposit system for managing such waste, increasing its coverage from 26 percent to 60 percent by 2027. Moreover, South Korea plans to reduce its existing 15,000 fishing-related regulations by half and prioritize the management of the total allowable catch in response to the evolving maritime environment. The country will also adopt smart and digital technologies to enhance productivity in the aquaculture sector, responsible for 60 percent of its seafood production. Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung stated that the ministry is committed to establishing South Korea as a leading maritime nation and fostering a vibrant economy driven by the private sector.