Dolphins Designated as Endangered Species
Estimated 1,000 Bycatch Annually
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] As carcasses of the endangered dolphin species known as the sanggwaengi have been repeatedly found along the coast of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, calls are growing for measures to prevent the bycatch of sanggwaengi.
At around 7 a.m. on the 29th, a citizen discovered a recently deceased sanggwaengi carcass near Hamel Lighthouse under the Geobukseon Bridge in Yeosu City and reported it to the coast guard.
The sanggwaengi was confirmed to be a female calf measuring 95 cm in length and weighing 15 kg. The coast guard handed over the carcass to Hanwha Aquarium for analysis of the cause of death.
On the previous day (28th), a sanggwaengi carcass measuring 120 cm in length was also found on a beach in Jeokgeumdo, Yeosu City. In addition, a sanggwaengi carcass was discovered on the coast of Chodo, Yeosu, on the 22nd, confirming that five sanggwaengi carcasses have been found this year.
The sanggwaengi is a protected endangered species, with strict prohibitions on distribution, sale, and capture. It is reported that about 15,000 sanggwaengi inhabit the West Sea, but they are sometimes caught as bycatch in nets along with other fish.
According to an official from the Whale Research Institute at the National Institute of Fisheries Science, approximately 1,000 sanggwaengi are caught as bycatch annually.
Meanwhile, the Whale Research Institute is developing bycatch reduction devices equipped with escape openings in nets to prevent the bycatch of endangered species including the sanggwaengi.
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