Dolphin Off Gangneung Confirmed as Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin...First Sighting Outside Jeju

"Refrain from Approaching by Vessel or Feeding... Concerns Over Accidents Involving Propellers and Discarded Fishing Gear"

Underwater image of an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin in Gangneung Port, taken on the 30th of last month. National Institute of Fisheries Science.

The dolphin that recently appeared in waters near Gangneung Port in Gangwon Province and drew public attention has been officially identified as a juvenile Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. This is the first time that an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin has been confirmed in waters other than off the coast of Jeju.

The Whale Research Institute of the National Institute of Fisheries Science announced on February 11 that, as a result of an on-site survey of the dolphin that has been continuously appearing in waters near Gangneung Port, the individual was confirmed to be a juvenile Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. Until now, the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin had only been known as a resident population of about 120 individuals off the coast of Jeju.

The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin that has appeared in Gangneung Port has been nicknamed "Anmogi" and has been observed following specific vessels and displaying behavior that appears to be interaction with people. The institute assessed that this behavior is due to the characteristically gentle temperament and high curiosity of bottlenose dolphins, but warned that if the animal is injured by a ship’s screw or becomes entangled in discarded fishing gear (nets or fishing lines), it could face life-threatening danger.

The Whale Research Institute urged the public to exercise particular caution, stating that approaching closely or shouting in an attempt to interact with the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin can reduce its wildness and survival rate. It stressed that feeding the animal in the water must be strictly prohibited.

Kwon Soonwook, President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science, said, "Vessels operating in waters near Gangneung Port must immediately reduce speed and maintain a safe distance if a juvenile Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin is sighted," and added, "If an emergency occurs, please respond in accordance with the marine mammal safe release guidelines distributed by the National Institute of Fisheries Science."

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