Yeosu Coast Guard, Consecutive Discoveries of Native Whale Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise Carcasses

A Total of 17 Yangtze Finless Porpoise Carcasses Found This Year and Handed Over to Local Governments

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] The Yeosu Maritime Police in Jeollanam-do announced on the 21st that carcasses of the native whale species, the finless porpoise, have been repeatedly found and reported along the coasts or at sea near Yeosu and Goheung.

According to Yeosu Maritime Police, from January this year, a total of 17 finless porpoise carcasses were found dead along the coast or at sea: 13 in the Yeosu area, 2 in the Goheung area, and 2 in the Gwangyang area.

When a finless porpoise discovery report is received, police officers are dispatched to the scene to check the condition and investigate for signs of illegal capture such as bycatch or stranding. After exchanging information with the National Institute of Fisheries Science Whale Research Center, they issue a whale processing confirmation certificate and hand over the carcass to local governments for disposal.

Designated as a marine protected species in 2016, the finless porpoise is prohibited from being collected or distributed without permission. Violations are punishable under the Marine Ecosystem Conservation and Management Act by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

A Yeosu Maritime Police official said, “Please report if a finless porpoise is found stranded or drifting at sea or along the coast,” and added, “The maritime police will also take the lead in protecting marine life.”

Meanwhile, the native finless porpoise is a small dolphin species belonging to the family Phocoenidae and is most commonly found along the west and south coasts of Korea.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.