There is a shocking amount of garbage and waste in the world’s oceans, and it has gone unchecked for far too long. Ocean currents have drawn these floating garbage patches together into distinct regions, and, according to the National Geographic, one in the Pacific covers an area larger than Mexico.

The world’s largest garbage dump is found in the world’s oceans. (Source: Stem Jobs)

Individuals, governments, and companies are heeding the call of oceanographers and other scientists and realizing more and more that a healthy ocean is vital to humanity’s survival. Many organizations are working to protect this natural resource by implementing sustainable, responsible practices to help clean up the oceans.

The State of the Ocean Today

Plastic is a major problem for the ocean. It breaks down into microparticles, which are nearly impossible to clean up. Places like Henderson Island, in the South Pacific region, are covered in tens of millions of pieces of trash.

Animals like seabirds consume the plastic at alarming rates: it is found in 90 percent of seabirds, according to Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. The study also says that plastic production is rapidly increasing, and so are the rates of ingestion by seabirds.

A bird eating plastic on the beach. (Source: Science Mag)

Plastic is not the only problem. Oil, fertilizers, sewage disposal, and chemical usage on land is affecting the oceans and killing marine ecosystems. The US National Research Council says 36 percent of the oil in the oceans come from city and industry waste and runoff.

Fertilizers are entering the ocean in much the same way. Even though there are many global restrictions on sewage and chemical dumping, it still happens. The oceans are in rough shape, and these issues are only going to get worse if people, companies, organizations and governments do not take action.

However, there are factors to consider before plunging in.

Cleaning Up Done Right

If ocean cleanup is not done properly, it can negatively impact marine ecosystems. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE) Rigs to Reef program found that fish and marine life were using oil and gas platforms as habitat, and when these rigs were decommissioned and removed, it harmed and disrupted the ecosystem.

Rigs to Reefs helped to transform oil and gas platforms so that they could actually offer a benefit to marine ecosystems. It now encourages the use of obsolete platforms as artificial reef material – as long as they meet strict requirements. With BSEE’s program, various marine species can adapt to and enjoy the artificial reefs as shelters and breeding grounds.

An artificial reef made of old industrial infrastructure. (Source: Rigs to Reef)

Other companies and groups are also taking action. For example, The Ocean Cleanup is a group focused on using the ocean’s natural currents for cleanup, and financing the project through philanthropic, commercial, and governmental donations and sponsorships.

POSCO’s Triton Project

POSCO is another company committed to sustainable, responsible practices when it comes to the environment, including the oceans. One of their major innovations, the Triton project has a direct, positive impact on the marine ecosystem of Korea’s South Sea and East Sea.

In conjunction with the Research Institute of Science and Technology (RIST) and the Korean government, POSCO has installed 510 artificial fish reefs made of “Triton” steel slag, made of  by-products of the iron and steelmaking processes. Triton is eco-friendly and low in carbon, and adds additional value to the steel manufacturing process by using up its wastes.

POSCO uses by-products from steel production to make Triton. (Source: Diproinduca)

Even better, Triton is naturally made with high percentages of iron and calcium, which work to create the ideal conditions for seaweed and algae spore growth, and purifies contaminated sediment. These reefs can also help reef populations migrate to cooler waters.

Triton reefs create a very healthy environment for marine life, and have helped to restore sea forests wherever they are installed. The sea plants that are thriving with Triton are decreasing carbon dioxide and creating a healthier ocean. Aside from the environment, the economies of surrounding countries are reaping the benefits. The commercial fishing industry is one of the first industries to benefit from a more robust local fish population.

An example of an artificial reef used to support plant growth

POSCO intends to continue building on the success of Triton, forging cooperative relationships to construct fishery resources. The next coral reef forest restoration is planned for Indonesia, and POSCO will continue to protect marine life globally.

Cleaning up the oceans is one of the greatest global environmental responsibilities of humanity. POSCO is one company leading the efforts to restore the environment through transformative technologies that take what was once considered waste and using it to create spaces that nurture life.

Cover photo courtesy of Rigs to Reef.

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In fact, the ocean is the heart of our planet. It regulates the climate, feeds millions of people, produces the oxygen that we breathe and is home to an incredible array of wildlife.

To ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, it’s imperative that we take the responsibility to care for the ocean in the same way that it cares for us.

Steel, a material known for its ability to be reused and recycled almost infinitely, creates less waste during and after production, making it environmentally-friendly. In addition, steel and its byproducts are being used to recreate marine habitats in areas that have been polluted or destroyed.

In celebration of the United Nations’ World Oceans Day, which is held this year under the theme “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet,” POSCO highlights the role of steel in sustainable development and use of the oceans, and how we as individuals can contribute our talents to make oceans more sustainable.

Getting Out the Waste Stream

The term “waste stream” describes the complete life cycle of the garbage we produce—from putting out the trash and recycling for pickup to landfilling, energy production and the reuse of recycled materials. Sadly, a lot of the garbage we as humans produce end up in our planet’s precious oceans.

In the North Pacific, for example, there is an area the size of Texas that is made up mostly of garbage. This floating island of waste, known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, swirls around slowly with the ocean currents, imprisoning ill-fated sea creatures and marine life, while trapping non-biodegradable debris, breaking it down into tiny toxic bits and dispersing it throughout the ocean’s waters.

Of these marine wastes, plastics are perhaps the most common and the most harmful, as they tend to act as a chemical sponge, concentrating the most damaging pollutants found in the world’s oceans. For every pound of natural plankton in this area, there are six pounds of plastic.

While metal pollutants are a component of this toxic mix, steel is more often than not removed from the waste stream before it gets to the oceans.

Boasting magnetic properties, steel is more easily removed from the rest of the recycling stream via magnets. After it is separated from other materials, steel-based products are crushed and baled for transport to steel mills. There, the materials are recovered through chemical and electrolysis baths, purified, melted and cast into ingots. After being poured into sheets, the steel is shaped into cans, siding, storm window frames and other products, thus being reused rather than polluting our oceans.

Steel Slag—A New Home for Marine Life

The pollution that circulates, in combination with warming water temperatures, has severely affected marine ecosystems throughout the world.

Reef degradation is one example. In this situation, “stressed” corals, unable to photosynthesize due to decreasing algae, quickly perish. As industrialization in affected areas continues to increase, damages expanded across the area’s coasts.

The seawater’s self-purification capability then steadily weakens and the accumulating amount of marine wastes and toxic substances permeating the waters keep sunlight from reaching the ocean floor. Without sufficient sunlight—and thus nutrition and oxygenation—the number of algae and sea life dwindle, causing distress to both the ecosystem and the area’s fishing economy.

Yet steel slag, an eco-friendly by-product of steelmaking contains a high proportion of iron and calcium—elements that just so happen to provide ideal conditions for the growth of seaweed and algae spores, and the purification of contaminated sediment.

Which is exactly why communities across the world have been using the product in their marine forestation efforts.

With steel reefs providing a more habitable, biodiverse environment, creatures that had all but died out can prosper. Additionally, the restoration of the marine ecosystem contributes to the increase of fish productivity and therefore the local economies of coastal towns and villages.

POSCO Makes Waves in Ocean Conservation

Just as steel helps to protect the world’s waters, steelmaker POSCO is also making efforts to take care of the sea through an employee volunteer program.

POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean has been working on purifying and preserving the oceanic environment for eight years. Some 780 POSCO staff members and their families are currently working as group volunteers, with 270 of them being professional divers who hold skin scuba certificates.

Over the years, POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean has participated in diverse activities around Korea’s coastline. Their activities include removing litter from the ocean, removing starfish from farm fisheries and refloating scrapped fishing boats in Korea’s East, West and South Seas. In 2013, the group held an environment purification project in the waters of Dokdo Island.

This month, POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean will visit Korea’s Ullengdo Island and Dokdo Island. There, the group will work to restore the marine ecosystem around the island through purification activities.

Moving forward, POSCO, with a little help from steel, will continue to take the lead in protecting the oceanic environment.

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In the North Pacific, there is an entire area the size of Texas that is made up primarily of garbage. This floating island of waste, not-so-affectionately referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, swirls around slowly with the ocean currents, imprisoning ill-fated sea creatures and marine life, while trapping non-biodegradable debris, breaking it down into tiny toxic bits and dispersing it throughout the ocean’s waters.

Of these marine wastes, plastics are perhaps the most common and the most harmful, as they tend to act as a chemical sponge, concentrating the most damaging pollutants found in the world’s oceans. In fact, for every pound of natural plankton in this area, there are six pounds of plastic.

This gyre, or system of circular ocean current formed by the Earth’s wind patterns and rotational forces, spans waters from North America’s West Coast to Japan, where it meets other gyres. Here, the marine waste is further circulated along oceanic highways.

The continuously circulating pollution, along with warming water temperatures, has severely affected marine ecosystems throughout the world. South Korea, for one, began to encounter the ill effects of this problematic situation in the early 1970s with the first occurrence of reef degradation, or “the whitening phenomenon,” off the peninsula’s southern coasts. “Stressed” coral, unable to photosynthesize due to decreasing algae, quickly began to perish.

As industrialization in these areas continued to increase and tourism began to flourish, damages expanded across the eastern and southern coasts, as well as Jeju Island. The seawater’s self-purification capability steadily weakened and the accumulating amount of marine wastes and toxic substances permeating Korea’s waters kept sunlight from reaching the ocean floor. Without sufficient sunlight, and thus nutrition and oxygenation, the number of algae and sealife dwindled significantly, causing distress to both the ecosystem and the nation’s fishing economy.

Triton Saves the Day

In an effort to rehabilitate Korea’s valuable marine ecosystem, POSCO, a world leading steel company, teamed up with the Research Institute of Science and Technology (RIST) and the Korean government to lead an unprecedented environmental initiative. In 2000, after extensive research, POSCO and RIST developed Triton to promote marine forestation in the damaged areas.

Named after a sea-god of Greek mythology, Triton is structure made of steel slag, an eco-friendly by-product of steel making that contains a high proportion of iron and calcium, elements that just so happen to provide ideal conditions for the growth of seaweed and algae spores, and the purification of contaminated sediment.

It didn’t take long—a year and a half, to be precise—for the forestation efforts to be effective. With steel reefs providing a more habitable, biodiverse environment, abalone and sea cucumber, creatures that had all but died out, prospered. Additionally, the restoration of the marine ecosystem contributed to the increase of fish productivity and therefore the local economies of coastal towns and villages.

That year, close to 200 Triton reefs were installed in eight fisheries along the coastal area of Geomun Island. Since then, POSCO has used steel slag to implement numerous other sea slag forests, and has played an active role in the nation’s marine afforestation projects to help the ecosystem adapt to climate change and demonstrate how by-products from the steel industry can be used in a way that yields positive outcomes for the environment and for communities.

Volunteering to Make a Difference

Unlike other sea-gods, Triton possessed a twisted conch shell, on which he blew like a horn to placate or raise the ocean waters. Legend has it that its sound was so jarring that it could put the giants, who imagined it to be the roar of a dark wild beast, to flight. Like Triton’s conch, POSCO hopes to make a lot of noise about the issues plaguing the world’s oceanic ecosystems.

As such, some 600 of the company’s employees who are passionate about making a difference have joined together to create POSCO Clean Ocean Volunteers. The group, which is dispersed throughout Korea, plays a leading role in marine conservation and educating the public about the importance of the marine environment. The group’s past efforts, in conjunction with local governments, maritime police and the coast guard, have included activities such as water purification, beach clean ups and the salvaging of sunken ships. The Clean Ocean Volunteers have also been proactive in the removal of , which in recent years have increased exponentially and have had a negative impact on the local fishing industry.

At the Forefront of Korea’s Marine Ecology Conservation: POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean 

POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean, established on November 25, 2009, is an organization committed to saving Korea’s waters. Its activities, carried out by members with professional experience in scuba diving, are varied: cleaning waters and beaches near company processing plants in Pohang and Gwangyang, aiding regional fisheries, lifesaving and salvaging sunken ships are all part of POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean’s efforts to protect and preserve Korea’s waters. In addition, the volunteer organization symbolizes the POSCO Green Environment Spirit by actively participating in marine conservation initiatives alongside various organizations in collaborative events such as Water Day and Oceans Day.

Passion? Check. Professionalism? Check.  

POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean has 780 passionate members, 270 of whom hold certified licenses for skin and scuba diving. The high level of professionalism makes it possible for the volunteers to engage in collaborative lifesaving efforts with other organizations such as the Coast Guard.

In August last year, POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean was shown on the popular KBS environmental documentary <Environment Special> displaying the Korean flag at Dokdo after removing the starfish that were damaging the ecosystem. Dokdo, a small island located in the East Sea, bears great significance to Korea as the nation has been in continuous debate with Japan over which country is the rightful owner. Such passionate activities were made possible by regular meetings and training: the organization meets every Saturday to preserve Korea’s oceans such as collaborating with regional schools and local residents to improve the coastal environment and ecology.

Introducing the Various Activities of POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean

POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean working to purify the ocean water at a beach near Pohang

POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean visits Bal-san ri Dong-hae myun, Pohang during Global Volunteer Week

Cleaning up the coastline and getting rid of organisms that harm the marine ecology at Myodo Island in Yeosu. 

Interview: POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean President Jong-bin Park on the Organization and its Future

“We will focus on recovering the marine ecosystem and make a tangible contribution to the fishing economy.”

I remember the early days of the POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean when some fishers were concerned about the impact our activities might have on their farms. Recently, however, local communities are competing to invite us as we have demonstrated over time our contribution in recovering the marine ecosystem. Local governments are inviting us to various environmentalist events, which helps us establish our corporate image as a core volunteer group as well as leading to more opportunities to participate in joint efforts to improve regional communities.

Our next plan is to raise awareness of eco-friendly steel material by integrating them into our volunteer activities. Recently, our members installed the artificial steel reef “Triton” in the waters of Guman-yi ri Dae-bo myun. We were surprised to see the marine ecosystem recovering rapidly due to the swift growth of marine algae following the installment of Triton. We also plan to make efforts to improve the fishing economy.

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What is Triton?

‘Triton’ was named after a sea-god from ancient Greek mythology, who controlled all ocean. The key to Triton was something called a Steel Slag. It is a by-product of molten metal from melting iron ore, soft coal, limestone—the three ingredients for producing steel—in extremely high temperature. Steel Slag is an eco-friendly resource that can be widely used for many purposes such as cement, manures, and aggregates. POSCO’s ‘Triton’ is a low-carbon fish reef using such Steel Slag. It creates a healthy environment for marine life to flourish, by attracting the accession of marine plants in the area. [/box]

We hope that our readers were able to feel POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean’s passion for marine ecology preservation through this post. POSCO Volunteers for Clean Ocean will continue in its endeavors to save the waters of Korea.