Since the ocean is filled with life it also screams when in pain. Do our ears hear the scream? Some 20 years ago authorities were telling us that the Jejudo oceans were warming abruptly, eco-systems were destroyed, and seaweed, algae, and marine plants disappearing. The excessive use of fossil fuels has also warmed the oceans. The women sea divers who go in search of abalone, crab, sea vegetables, etc. complain about the once plentiful sea life but no longer the case with the desertification of the oceans.
Humans have always had a close relationship with the oceans. What is necessary to prevent the oceans from dying? First of all, we need to hear the groans and screams that come from the oceans. We need to know where the crisis is to solve the problems.
'Hotpinkdolphen' has heard the screams of the dolphins. The coastal waters of Jejudo are home to the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that stay in the coastal waters all year long. Consequently, the activity of humans on the coast will influence the lives of these dolphins.
The study of the dolphins here in the South has been going on for only 15 years. These dolphins have lived side by side with humans for centuries but only recently this endangered species of marine mammals has attracted human attention. What has developed to make their life one facing extinction?
He mentions that aquariums are a problem and tells us the story of 'Jedol'. The capturing of dolphins is illegal in Korea. The movement to free Jedol from captivity from the tank in the Seoul Aquarium was successful and Jedol was returned to the wild.
Many have thought it was impossible to return them back to the wild but Jedol and other dolphins have shown this is not true. They have been placed in sea pens to acclimate them to the ocean and be fed live fish they have to catch. They have successfully returned to the wild and have been doing well for the last 10 years.
However, in recent years dolphins have shown health problems. Some have malignant tumors in the mouth. Some have their tail fins completely cut off from high-speed boats, old fishing gear, and fishing lines hanging all over their body. In the past they played with seaweed and algae now they are dealing with plastics and trash.
The development of the harbors, the building of roads and encroaching on the ocean waters with landfill, expansion of military facilities has made life for the dolphins precarious. Only about 120 are now known to live in the coastal waters of Korea. This is a sign that humans will have problems that arise from this situation.
If we are to pass on to the next generation ocean waters that will be kind to the dolphins we need to take action now. How about designating the remaining habitat in Jejudo as a marine life reserve? The crisis facing the dolphins is also in some way the one we face. We have to love more and unite more across species.
