SEOUL, April 20 (Korea Bizwire) — The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on Wednesday that it would impose fines of up to 2 million won (US$1,510) on ships that approach dolphins or violate speed limits while observing them.
The amendment bill to the Conservation and Management of Marine Ecosystems Act will impose a speed limit on ships depending on their distance from the dolphins.
Ships will have to slow down to 10 knots when approaching within 750 meters to 1.5 kilometers of the dolphins and to 5 knots when approaching within 300 to 750 meters.
Within 300 meters, ships must stop the screw propellers. Additionally, ships are prohibited from approaching within 50 meters of dolphins.
Moreover, touching or feeding dolphins by tourists will be banned.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
