After 17 Years, the Last Indo-pacific Bottlenose Dolphin Held in a South Korean Aquarium Was Released Into the Wild

Following months of rehabilitation therapy, the final Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin housed in a South Korean aquarium was released into the wild after 17 years, the oceans ministry announced on Monday.

Captive dolphins released into the ocean

(Photo : Rudney Uezu/Unsplash)

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Bibong was released on Sunday from a pen in the water off the southern resort island of Jeju in South Korea. He had been there for almost 70 days as part of the government's attempt to train him to adjust to his new surroundings, as per The Korea Herald.

According to experts, Bibong, a male dolphin who is thought to be 23 years old, was entirely prepared to return to the wild.

After being captured illegally in 2005 in the waters of the island, the dolphin had been housed in a marine animal park on the island.

The nation had released seven Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins into the water since 2013, after identifying the species as a priority marine life the year before, making him the only marine mammal of his kind to exist in captivity.

According to the ministry, Bibong's body was fitted with a positioning device for ongoing surveillance for at least six months.

The government will continue to look for ways to improve the condition of marine animals, Minister Cho Seung-hwan said, adding that Bibong was finally able to return after 17 years.

In addition to Bibong, there are currently 21 belugas and other dolphin species housed in domestic aquariums, all of which were kept after following the proper legal processes for either study or other purposes, according to the ministry.

Cause of threat to Bottlenose Dolphin

In temperate and tropical waters, harbors, bays, gulfs, and estuaries are just a few of the places where bottlenose dolphins can be found, as per NOAA Fisheries.

They are among the marine mammals that have been researched the most in the wild.

Additionally, due to their proximity to the shore and widespread distribution in coastal and estuarine areas, they are simple to see in the wild.

Numerous hazards and stresses, both natural and induced by humans, are present in bottlenose dolphins.

Fishing equipment interactions. The primary danger facing bottlenose dolphins is being entangled in fishing gear.

Gillnets, seines, trawls, trap pots, and longlines are a few examples of commercial fishing gear that can entangle or trap dolphins.

Degradation and destruction of habitat. Common bottlenose dolphins that live close to the shore are also vulnerable to toxins and oil spills degrading their habitat.

Biotoxins. Dolphins may encounter HAB toxins in the environment or while consuming tainted prey.

Dolphins exposed to biotoxins may experience both immediate health problems and longer-lasting ones.

Illegal Feeding and Harassment Practices. The fact that bottlenose dolphins may be easily observed in the wild also increases their vulnerability to harm from humans, including death.

The MMPA's implementing laws make feeding and attempting to feed dolphins illegal, but they are also harmful since it alters their behavior and makes them less wary of people and boats.

Conservation for Bottlenose Dolphins

Tropical oceans and other warm waters can be home to bottlenose dolphins. Only a little amount of dolphin fishing is done today, compared to how widespread they were originally targeted for their meat and oil, as per National Geographic.

Commercial fishing for those other species, such as tuna, puts dolphins in danger, as they can get fatally caught in nets and other fishing gear.