Another Southern Bottlenose Dolphin Carrying a Dead Calf Found in Jeju

Documentary Team and Researchers Captured Off Jeju Coast
Discovered 7 Times Over 14 Months... "Indicates Environmental Deterioration"

A female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was once again observed carrying her dead calf in the waters off Jeju.

According to DocuJeju and the Jeju National University dolphin research team on the 2nd, around 12:28 PM the previous day, a mother Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was spotted carrying her dead calf on her back near the fish farms off Ilgwari, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo City.

At the time of discovery, the calf on the mother's back was limp and deceased, but the mother dolphin struggled to keep the calf alive by lifting it up.

A pod of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins discovered in the sea off Sindo-ri, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on April 13, a young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin entangled in abandoned fishing gear and the carcass of a newborn dolphin were found in the waters off Mureung-ri, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo City. Although the young dolphin’s body was mostly decomposed, indicating it had been dead for some time, the mother dolphin was seen repeatedly lifting the carcass above the water.

DocuJeju and the Jeju National University research team reported that from March 4 last year until now, they have witnessed a mother dolphin carrying her dead calf a total of seven times over 14 months. These incidents were especially concentrated from late winter to spring.

The main locations where these events were observed include the waters off Ilgwari, Yeongnak-ri, Mureung-ri, and Sindo-ri in Daejeong-eup, along the Noeulhaean-ro coastal area, where dolphins are frequently sighted. This area is known for its concentration of fish farms, deep waters rich in dolphin prey, and popularity among anglers.

Oh Seungmok, director of DocuJeju, stated, “The deaths of calves only a few months old are becoming noticeably frequent,” adding, “This indicates that the marine environment around Jeju is increasingly becoming unsuitable for the habitat of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.”

He continued, “Relevant organizations must respond swiftly by investigating the habitat conditions of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and work to create a safe environment for the endangered Jeju Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.”