FORWORD

The Arctic is considered a pristine area, but as everywhere else in the world, the problem of marine littering is getting increasingly visible and poses a threat to marine and coastal ecosystems.

Plastics under 5 mm can be consumed by marine life. When small organisms eat these microplastics, they build up in their bodies. As these organisms are ingested by larger organisms up the food chain, more and more microplastics accumulate, and eventually humans, the final predators, consume the microplastic bombs.

We need to understand more about Artic-specific marine littering sources, including the pathways and distribution, and how they affect Arctic ecosystems to reverse marine pollution and protect the marine environment.

The Republic of Korea and Norway are collaborating with each other in a wide range of Arctic research activities. The Republic of Korea has been actively involved in a wide range of Arctic issues for many years, and has experience and know-how in research and exploration for the future of the Arctic region. We have gathered together to preserve the Arctic marine environment and ecosystem.

The Norwegian Embassy in Korea, the Korea National Maritime Museum(kmi), KOREA maritime institute, and the korea polar research institute(kopri) are collaborating to hold a joint photo exhibition to raise awareness of the effects of marine debris on the Arctic ecosystem and global marine pollution, and to share various research results.

We hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity for all of us to think about what we should prepare for the future of the sea and what measures we can take to solve the global problem posed by marine pollution.

About SALT

This photo of Norwegian marine waste is from SALT, an independent research and advisory organization specializing in marine pollution, marine management and coastal development. This photo was taken by researchers at SALT during the process of studying marine plastic waste in the Greenland Sea and the Barenz Sea around Norway.

"SALT" provides research, consulting, and support activities based on specific competencies in various fields such as marine biology, aquaculture, fisheries management, sustainability, law, economy and social science. SALT has been providing scientific publications, analysis and policy advice for the Norwegian government and international organizations, maintaining close cooperation with the fishing and aquaculture industries, and contributing to healthy seas and sustainable coastal development.​

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