It is legal to sell minke whales that are found dead after becoming trapped in nets. (Image courtesy of Sokcho Coast Guard)
SOKCHO, Nov. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – Minke whales are often referred to as the ‘Lotto of the Sea’ among fishermen in South Korea. In recent days, a series of cases have been reported where minke whales, incidentally caught in waters off the east coast city of Gangwon, were sold for tens of millions of won.
Under current law, it is legal to sell minke whales that are found dead after becoming trapped in nets. However, intentionally catching them is illegal. The challenge, however, lies in the difficulty of determining whether minke whales were incidentally or intentionally caught due to the ambiguous legal boundary.
In response, the Coast Guard has intensified investigations into whale bycatches to prevent illegal whaling. Meanwhile, maritime authorities are deliberating fundamental measures to prevent bycatch, ensuring the balance and preservation of the marine ecosystem.
According to the Sokcho Coast Guard on Wednesday, the number of whale bycatches since 2021 stood at 83 along the coasts of Sokcho, Goseong, Yangyang, and Gangneung. This year, a total of 20 whales, including seven designated as protected marine species like common dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins, nine minke whales, and four other whales, have been incidentally caught.
In October, off the coast of Jumunjin Port, a minke whale measuring about 472 centimeters in length, 211 centimeters in width, and weighing about 700 kilograms was netted. In the same month, off the coast of Susan Port, Yangyang, a minke whale measuring about 527 centimeters in length, 240 centimeters in width, and weighing about 2,305 kilograms was also caught.
These minke whales were sold at prices of 53 million won and 16 million won, respectively. While most whales are designated as protected marine species, making it illegal to sell them even if incidentally caught, minke whales are not designated as such, allowing their sale if there is no evidence of intentional capture.
After receiving a certificate of cetacean treatment from the Coast Guard, fishermen can sell them on a consignment basis through the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperation (Suhyup). The price of dead minke whales varies depending on their condition and size. Generally, however, the price ranges from millions of won to tens or even hundreds of millions of won. For fishermen fortunate enough to stumble upon them as bycatch, it’s akin to hitting the jackpot.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
