Korea has big plans for marine biotech industry

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Korea has big plans for marine biotech industry

Korea on Thursday unveiled an ambitious project to develop its marine biotechnology industry and other relevant sectors into multi-billion dollar businesses.

Under the project, Korea will expand the scope of its underwater exploration for marine resources from its coasts to the edges of its exclusive economic zone.

Korea - a nation surrounded by three seas - plans to expand a marine biobank in a move to nurture the bioindustry, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

One example is the development of a medical adhesive made from a mussel protein.

The move is part of Korea’s broader efforts to develop its maritime and other relevant sectors into a market worth 11.3 trillion won ($9.4 billion) by 2030, up from 3.3 trillion won in 2018.

Korea is pushing to develop marine ecotourism by making the most of marine resources such as mudflats and a marine sanctuary.

The ministry also said the government will nurture industries related to eco-friendly vessels in a move to better deal with tightened regulations.

The International Maritime Organization has said the sulfur content limit for ships’ fuel oil will be lowered to 0.5 percent from the current 3.5 percent on Jan. 1 next year, prompting vessel owners to install sulfur-reducing equipment like scrubbers on their ships.

Sulphur oxides are known to be harmful to human health, causing respiratory symptoms and lung disease. In the atmosphere, sulphur oxides can lead to acid rain, which can harm crops, forests and aquatic species and contribute to the acidification of the oceans, according to the UN agency.

Korea also plans to push for the development of autonomous ships, smart ports and smart maritime logistics in the latest move to boost the country’s shipping industry.

Yonhap
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