A legal framework has been established to support key issues in the maritime and fisheries sector. A special law to support the 2028 UN Ocean Conference, along with 14 other bills aimed at improving coastal disaster prevention, port redevelopment, enhancing fishing vessel safety, and expanding the participation of farmers and fishermen in policy-making, has passed the National Assembly.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that on August 20, the National Assembly approved two new laws, including the 'Special Law to Support the 2028 UN Ocean Conference' and the 'Agricultural and Fisheries Council Act,' as well as 13 amendments to existing laws, totaling 15 bills.
The special law for the 2028 UN Ocean Conference provides a legal basis for the systematic preparation of the fourth UN Ocean Conference, which will be co-hosted by South Korea and Chile. It aims to establish a cooperative framework across the government and ensure necessary administrative and financial support for the smooth hosting of the conference.
The UN Ocean Conference is the largest high-level international meeting in the maritime sector, addressing major global marine issues such as climate change and ocean pollution, and fostering cooperation and action among countries. The third conference, held in Nice, France, in 2025, was attended by around 15,000 participants, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The 2028 conference is significant as it occurs two years before the deadline for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030. It is expected to serve as an important opportunity to discuss the future direction of international marine cooperation beyond 2030. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to accelerate preparations for the conference based on this legislation and aims to showcase South Korea's maritime capabilities and international standing.
Regulations related to coastal safety will also be strengthened. The amendment to the Coastal Management Act requires that any development projects affecting the coast, such as roads and ports, undergo a review by the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries regarding potential flooding and erosion impacts before proceeding. This will help establish a foundation for preventing coastal disasters by assessing the risks of flooding and erosion from the development stage.
To reduce the burden on businesses from the introduction of new regulations, the existing pre-impact assessment systems, such as environmental impact assessments and marine use impact assessments, will be integrated into the new framework.
Port redevelopment methods will also become more comprehensive. The amendment to the law on port redevelopment and surrounding area development allows for the inclusion of plans for both land development and the construction of buildings on that land when establishing project plans and implementation plans for port redevelopment projects.
This integrated approach to land and building development is expected to enhance the efficiency of port redevelopment projects and improve the public utility of the region.
Safety measures to reduce fishing vessel accidents and casualties will also be enhanced. The amendment to the law on safe fishing operations and the safety and health of fishing crew members includes provisions allowing for fleet organization during periods of increased risk of fishing vessel accidents, such as during severe winter weather. It also establishes a basis for restricting operations or navigation for a certain period when there is a high likelihood of major fishing vessel accidents due to worsening weather conditions.
Additionally, the Agricultural and Fisheries Council Act, which aims to expand the participation of local farmers and fishermen in policy-making, has also passed the National Assembly. Once implemented, this law will allow for the establishment of Agricultural and Fisheries Councils, which are representative bodies for farmers and fishermen, at both regional and local government levels. This will create a more systematic basis for reflecting the opinions of local farmers and fishermen in the policy-making process.
Other bills passed by the National Assembly also address the need for institutional support in the maritime and fisheries sector, enhancing safety and regulatory improvements, and expanding the participation of local farmers and fishermen in policy-making.
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo stated, "We will prepare thoroughly so that the 2028 UN Ocean Conference can effectively showcase South Korea's maritime capabilities and rich maritime cultural heritage, and serve as a meaningful platform for discussing a sustainable future for the oceans with the international community. We will also ensure that the laws passed by the National Assembly operate effectively in the field through the refinement of subordinate regulations and follow-up procedures."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.