On November 17, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST, President Hong Gi-hoon) announced the launch of the Sea Sand Research Planning Unit, which aims to resolve national and social issues related to sea sand.

Despite the changes occurring in the marine environment as a result of the growing demand for and subsequent increase in the mining of sea sand, there is a lack of scientific explanations for these changes and measures for addressing them, highlighting the necessity of more studies on the distribution, origin, and movement of sea sand on the continental shelf, collection of basic scientific data for sea sand mining, and establishment of a scientific basis for developing measures for managing seabed sediment at the national level. Based on its recognition of these issues, KIOST launched the Sea Sand Research Planning Unit. At KIS 2017, which was held in December 4, discussions on sea sand mining were held, and case studies conducted in foreign countries, including the UK and Japan, were presented.

The Sea Sand Research Planning Unit aims to: collect and analyze sedimentary dynamic data on the physical movement and distribution of sea sand; compile related biological data, such as data on the ecological function of sea sand resources; propose a model for basic research on sea sand mining; and collect, analyze, and study case studies conducted in foreign countries with the aim of identifying scientific and technological measures for handling sea sand issues.

KIOST President Hong Gi-hoon commented, “I believe that the launch of the Sea Sand Research Planning Unit represents an opportunity to find the scientific and technological answers to sea sand issues. Moreover, in terms of the management of marine sediment in Korea, I will strive to find measures for the comprehensive management of marine sediment, including the management of coastal sediment mass balance, erosion, and the movement of suspended sediment.”