Bathymetric data for the South Korean Impact Assessment of Utilization of the Marine Environment Act

With South Korea preparing to enforce the Impact Assessment of Utilization of the Marine Environment Act in 2025, bathymetry has taken on a central role in evaluating coastal development. This article explores why water depth information now counts among the act’s 11 key assessment items, outlines the data, standards and analytical approaches required for robust evaluations, and highlights how emerging technologies such as coastal Lidar can support precise, long-term monitoring.

The high population density in coastal areas has resulted in a vast number of disputes and contentions in South Korea. In response to these challenges, and with the imperative to safeguard the marine environment and foster its sustainable use, the ‘Impact Assessment of Utilization of the Marine Environment Act’ was developed. With the impending enforcement of this act in 2025, bathymetry has been designated one of the 11 critical evaluation items within the environmental impact assessment framework. We propose comprehensive data and well-defined criteria that will effectively fulfil the core objectives of this pivotal legislation (the middle part of Figure 1).

Eleven assessment items

The foundational criteria for developing a robust evaluation report should encompass a meticulous baseline assessment, a comprehensive analysis of inter-item correlations, precise quantitative analysis, a granular examination of impact predictions segmented by water depth, and diligent adherence to both domestic marine environmental and international standards.

Marine base maps and coastline maps emerge as indispensable data selections. Their critical utility stems from providing consistently compiled, nationwide datasets distinguished by their uniform scale and validated accuracy. The 11 assessment items are frequently interconnected through intricate causal, chronological or correlative relationships, thereby mandating a multifaceted and integrated analytical approach. Most critically, achieving this understanding necessitates both sophisticated simulations and continuous observational programmes to monitor anticipated project-driven transformations in bathymetry and seafloor topography.

In dynamic coastal environments, the minute alterations in bathymetric data, often attributable to a multitude of dynamic factors, underscore the importance of high-precision data. For the proactive simulation of both transient and long-term impacts, the integration of advanced computational models, meticulously selected and executed in conjunction with empirical survey data, becomes indispensable. Beyond the mere execution of models, the resultant data necessitates meticulous compilation into a structured database, followed by rigorous verification procedures. This iterative process is foundational for the refinement and enhancement of the models, enabling their precise customization to the distinct hydrographic and environmental characteristics of a given marine environment.

Marine impact assessments must transcend mere descriptive evaluations. To truly ascertain the comprehensive efficacy and significance of a project’s environmental impact assessment, it is imperative that the analysis rigorously integrates viable impact mitigation alternatives, exemplified by the strategic installation of facilities. Furthermore, the outcomes from simulations performed for each proposed facility or alternative must be meticulously compiled and systematically integrated into a centralized database.

Beyond the impact on fishery

Unlike previous efforts that focused on the impact of development projects on aquaculture operators, this act is significant in that it endeavours to maintain water depth stability. However, the further development of tools and standards to achieve this goal of the act is necessary, and Lidar technology, applicable to coastal areas, is expected to enable precise monitoring of changes in water depth.

This story was contributed by:

Hoyun Kang is team leader of the research and development team at the Korea Hydrography and Research Association. His research interests include hydrography, offshore wind R&D and marine spatial data.

Eunmi Chang, who holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Kansas, is CEO of Ziinconsulting inc., an adjunct professor at the University of Seoul, a GEBCO TSCOM member and Hysk vice president.

Byungmoon Park, who holds a PhD in Geoinformatics from the University of Seoul, is director of Lab. Geostory Co. Ltd. and worked for KHOA and KHRA for 36 years.

Younsoo Kim, who holds a PhD in Geomatics from the University of Pukeong, is administration officer and P.E. of the Hydrographic Society of Korea and worked for KHOA and KHRA for 38 years.