Young Dolphin Entangled Again, Highlighting Urgent Need for Fishing Restrictions in Jeju

The reappearance of the young dolphin, Ssaendol, ensnared in fishing line is a deeply distressing development, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin population in Jeju's waters. While we had held onto hope following its initial rescue from discarded nets, this second entanglement is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats these magnificent creatures endure.

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Ssaendol, who was on the continuous observation list of the Jeju Emergency Rescue Task Force (TF) team, had recovered considerably through active movement and self-healing, so I was somewhat relieved, but unfortunately, it suffered secondary damage.

As documented by our team at Dakyu Jeju and the Jeju National University's Marine Mammal Conservation Research Center, Ssaendol's struggle to break free from the initial entanglement resulted in a torn dorsal fin. This injury, while seemingly healing, highlights the physical toll these encounters take. The fact that it has now been found with fishing line wrapped around its body again is not just unfortunate; it's a critical call to action.

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Fishing lines flying from rocky shores are more fatal to Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins than nets floating in the sea.

Our research and observations, alongside data from organizations like the Marine Citizen Science Center 'Paran', indicate that at least 13 dolphins have been entangled in fishing gear over the years. The majority are young, inexperienced individuals like Ssaendol, who are more susceptible to getting caught in discarded nets or taking fishing bait. The particularly lethal threat of fishing lines, cast from rocky shores into core habitats, cannot be overstated. These lines, sometimes reaching hundreds of meters, pose a direct danger to dolphins foraging in these areas.

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The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries designated the area around Shindo-ri coast as a marine protected area for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in April last year, but Jongdal-i also died entangled in fishing line while trying to eat bait there. Just as the Mayor of Seoul banned fishing in 50% of the Han River embankments, the Governor of Jeju Province should selectively ban rocky shore fishing in areas where Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are at high risk of sacrifice.

While the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has designated some areas as marine protection zones, these measures are clearly insufficient. As expert Yoon Sang-hoon from Paran has argued, selective bans on fishing in high-risk areas, similar to measures taken in Seoul for the Han River, are urgently needed. The Jeju provincial government's response, suggesting discussions rather than immediate action, is concerning. We must move beyond deliberation and implement concrete measures to protect these vulnerable animals before it is too late. The survival of Jeju's unique population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins depends on it.

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We cannot ban fishing immediately, but we will pursue discussions with stakeholders regarding fishing restrictions.