Formerly dwelling on land, they eventually transitioned to an aquatic lifestyle to avoid natural threats. With lungs for respiration, they resurface after approximately 30 minutes of diving to breathe. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Baekryeong Island, June 25 (Korea Bizwire) — The endangered spotted seal, recognized as a natural monument, has returned to the waters off Baekryeong Island this year. Every spring, they migrate from China to the Korean Peninsula, showing a particular affinity for Baekryeong Island due to its rocky terrain and abundance of prey, such as sand lance.
Baengnyeong Island, the northernmost island in the West Sea, is the closest point to North Korea, situated approximately 178 kilometers northwest of Incheon Port.
The spotted seal has developed a streamlined body shape that aids in diving, allowing them to seek safe waters and evade natural predators. During the winter months, they journey north to China to give birth to their pups before returning to Baengnyeong Island each spring. Over their lifespan, they undertake about 30 such migrations.
On average, male spotted seals live for 29 years, while females live for 32 years. Formerly dwelling on land, they eventually transitioned to an aquatic lifestyle to avoid natural threats. With lungs for respiration, they resurface after approximately 30 minutes of diving to breathe.
Spotted seals exhibit a charming behavior of rolling onto their sides when entering the water, rather than using their front flippers for locomotion. This endearing trait is a result of their unique body structure.
Unlike fur seals, seals possess short legs that impede their ability to propel themselves upwards. This distinction is a key characteristic between seals and fur seals. Seals have relatively longer legs to support their upper bodies.
From 2013 to 2023, the observed population of spotted seals on Baengnyeong Island has varied between 42 and 185 individuals during the spring season. However, when considering factors such as feeding habits, migration away from the noise caused by nearby military artillery fire, and the impact of adverse weather conditions, the population is deemed stable.
The spotted seals face various threats, including the depletion of fish stocks and poaching by Chinese fishing vessels, as well as the presence of discarded fishing gear and marine debris. Human disturbance also poses a significant risk.
Protecting the spotted seals is crucial for preserving the balance of the marine ecosystem. As the apex predator in the Korean marine ecosystem, seals are considered an “umbrella species” capable of regulating the ecosystem.
Umbrella species, situated at the top of the food chain, exhibit broad behavioral characteristics. Their disappearance can disrupt the population control of lower-level predators and destabilize the entire ecosystem.
The government has expressed concerns about habitat destruction due to overfishing and poaching by Chinese fishing fleets. It has called for international cooperation to safeguard these seals.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
