Rescue Operation Underway for Young Dolphin Entangled in Fishing Lines off Jeju Island

The net, entangled around the dolphin’s tail, is approximately 1.5 to 2 meters long. (Image courtesy of the Jeju National University dolphin research team)

SEOUL, Jan. 30 (Korea Bizwire) – A rescue mission has been initiated for a juvenile Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, identified as “Jongdal,” that has been caught in discarded fishing lines for over two months, hindering its ability to swim freely.

The operation is being conducted by the Jeju Dolphin Emergency Rescue Team, which consists of marine environmental organization Hot Pink Dolphins, marine documentary filmmaker “Dolphin Man,” and the Marine Animal Research and Conservation (MARC) organization. 

The team has opted for a non-capture method for the rescue, planning to approach Jongdal with a specialized boat, and then cut the entangling lines using a knife affixed to a pole. This approach is currently being tested in the waters off Daejeong-eup in the city of Seogwipo, a known habitat of Jongdal. 

In preparation for the rescue, the team has spent the last week attempting to get closer to the dolphin to build a sense of familiarity, which is crucial for the success of the operation.

Jo Yakgol, co-leader of Hot Pink Dolphins, commented on the efforts, stating, “We have been conducting preliminary training since the start of the month to maximize our chances of a successful rescue. Our goal is to complete the rescue as soon as possible, though the exact timing remains uncertain due to various unpredictable factors.” 

‘Jongdal’ swimming in the coast of Jeju city on Nov. 8 last year. (Image courtesy of Jeju Dolphin Emergency Rescue Team)

The plight of Jongdal came to light in early November last year when the dolphin was first seen swimming off the coast of Gujwa-eup, Jeju, with its body ensnared from nose to tail in what appeared to be abandoned fishing gear.

The situation is particularly dire as the entangled lines have inflicted injuries on the dolphin’s body and the attached seaweed is further impeding its swimming capabilities. 

Following the discovery, the rescue team alerted the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on November 9 and successfully obtained the required authorization to proceed with the rescue of this protected marine animal on January 24.

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)