The Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Loved by Woo Young-woo... "From Aquarium to Sea"

Release of the Last Remaining 'Bibongi' After Adaptation Training

Dolphin released by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 3rd that it has begun full-scale preparations for the marine release of 'Bibongi,' the last remaining Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin in domestic aquariums. Bibongi will complete a step-by-step training process in the sea off Seogwipo City, Jeju Island, and will be finally released.

The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, known to inhabit about 120 individuals along the coast of Jeju Island, was designated as a marine protected species in 2012 and is under protection and management. Bibongi is the last of the eight dolphins that lived in domestic aquariums at the time of the marine protected species designation.

Bibongi's marine release will proceed in five stages. First, the possibility of release will be diagnosed and a release plan established, followed by adaptation training in the breeding tank, installation and transfer to a sea cage, wild adaptation training in the sea cage, and finally release and post-monitoring. Accordingly, Bibongi will leave the tank at Pacific Land where it has lived and undergo live fish feeding training and interaction with wild dolphin populations at the sea cage training center installed off Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo City, Jeju Island, before being finally released into the nearby waters of Jeju Island.

Currently, the second stage is underway. The 'Technical Committee,' composed of experts, diagnosed Bibongi's health and feeding status and confirmed that it is in a condition suitable for marine release. Bibongi has completed training in the breeding tank and has been observed quickly adapting by hunting and eating live prey provided.

The third and fourth stages are expected to begin soon. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to transfer Bibongi to the sea cage installed near Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo City, Jeju Island. When the final stage is completed and Bibongi is released, a GPS tracking device will be attached to monitor its location and behavior characteristics for over a year.

Additionally, an identification number (No. 8) will be marked on its dorsal fin for visual identification, and observations using ships and drones will be continuously conducted to monitor its health and whether it joins wild dolphin groups, assessing its adaptation to the wild ecosystem.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to strengthen policies aimed at improving the welfare of marine animals, using Bibongi's release as an opportunity.

From now on, the import of new cetaceans for exhibition purposes in aquariums will be completely banned. For cetaceans currently in captivity, acts that cause excessive stress such as riding will be prohibited, and standards and guidelines for experience programs will be established to enhance protection and management of aquarium cetaceans.

The aquarium registration system currently in place will be changed to a permit system, and acts of abuse or stress toward aquarium animals, interference with marine animals' movement or feeding during observation or tourism activities will be prohibited and punished if violated, further strengthening regulations for the safety of marine animals.

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Seung-hwan Cho, said at a briefing at the Sejong office in the afternoon, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will prioritize Bibongi's safety and closely communicate with animal protection groups and aquariums to manage the release process," adding, "We will strengthen policies not only for Bibongi's release but also to improve the welfare of marine animals."

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