The Coast Guard caught jet ski operators who threatened dolphins by approaching the southern bottlenose dolphin, a protected species, excessively in Jeju waters.
According to the Seogwipo Coast Guard, a report was received on the 21st that six jet skis approached a southern bottlenose dolphin within 10m of the sea near Sindopo-gu, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do around 5:00 pm the previous day, and operated at higher than the speed limit, interfering with the movement of dolphins.
Coast Guard officials from Hwasun Police Station, who were dispatched to the scene, found a group of jet skis on their way to Moseulpo Port and cracked down on six operators, including A (38).
This is the first case detected under the ‘Act on the Preservation and Management of the Marine Ecosystem’ (hereinafter referred to as the Marine Ecosystem Act), which came into effect on the 19th of last month, the Coast Guard said.
An official from the Coast Guard said, “If you witness a violation, please join us in protecting dolphins by immediately reporting it to the Coast Guard.”
Southern bottlenose dolphins are marine mammals observed year-round along the coast of Jeju Island, and it is estimated that about 110 individuals currently live there. In 2012, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries designated the southern bottlenose dolphin as a protected marine species.메이저놀이터
According to the Marine Ecosystem Act, vessels observing southern bottlenose dolphins must reduce their speed to 10 knots or less at a distance of 750m to 1.5km from dolphins, and to 5 knots or less at a distance of 300 to 750m.
The screw of the ship must be stopped within 300m, and the ship must not approach within a 50m radius of the dolphin.
Violation of the rules will result in a fine of up to 2 million won.