Fishing hook, most dangerous debris to marine lives in Korea

Fishing hook, most dangerous debris to marine lives in Korea

Every year 100,000 marine mammals and one million marine birds are estimated to die from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris.  However, there is little research or evidence on this in Korea and most people do not aware of this impact of debris on marine lives.

 

Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN) has collected cases of marine animals affected by debris in Korea since March 2010.  As of the end of September, twenty-nine cases were collected with the help of NGO activists, bird-watching photographers, wildlife medical or rescue centers, and others.  All the cases have been categorized based on species affected, debris items, types of damage, date and area from photos and records provided by the participants (Figures and Table).

At least 17 species of birds, mammals, and invertebrates were affected by marine debris.  Birds have been the most frequently affected animals (14 species and 24 cases), including Black-Tailed Gull, Great Egret, Temminck’s Cormorant, and Mallard.

Derelict fishing nets and traps, hooks and lines, and lead fishing weights were mostly responsible for animal injuries and deaths.  Fishing hooks caused the most damages, accounting for 17 cases, specifically threatening birds. Three bird species were natural monuments designated by the Korean government.  Black-tailed gulls seem to be vulnerable to fishing hooks with the diameter of about 10mm (10 out of 11 cases).  One whooper swan rescued by a citizen was diagnosed with lead poisoning by a wildlife veterinarian.

The cases we have collected are only a very small set of examples on the impact of marine debris on animals in Korea. With anglers estimated up to 5 million, we expect there are many more such cases. Many anglers overuse monofilament fishing lines, small fishing hooks, and lead weights.  Forty percent of the anglers enjoy fishing at sea or in coastal areas. ‘Law on Management and Promotion of Recreational Fishery’ is now under enactment and is expected to encourage changes in anglers’ attitudes toward clean water and protection of resources.  This survey will continue and provide important information to be used in campaigns and education on marine debris.

 

We really acknowlege KY Yeo of Pusan Wildlife Medical Center (Nakdong River Estuary Ecocenter), DO Han of PGA Wetland Ecosystem Institute, JS Choi, a Bird watching photographer, YJ Kim of Chungnam Wild Animal Rescue Center,  HJ Kim of Korea National Park, Korea Bird Protection Society, HJ Yook, a vet, SM Hwang of Gangwhado Citizens Network, and MS Hwang, other researchers and NGO activists for providing useful information and allowing to use precious photos. ⓒ OSEAN

 

Fig. 1a. A black-tailed gull showing both entanglement and ingestion due to fishing hook (Source: KY Yeo)

 

Fig. 1b. Most common debris item, fishing hook for recreational purpose with about 10mm in diameter (Removed from an entangled gull above) (Source: KY Yeo)

 

Fig. 2. A whooper swan flying with bent neck due to fishing line (Source: JS Choi)

 

Fig. 3. A finless porpoise having scars around the neck  due to entanglement by rope (Source: DO Han)

 

Fig. 4. A Temminck's commorant with the leg entangled by monofilament fishing line (Source: YJ Kim)

 

Fig. 5. A mallard entangled within a trap originally placed for crabs or benthic animals (Source: JS Choi)

 

 

Fig. 6. A finless porpoise stranded on a coast pricked by fishing hook (larger than recreational one) (Source: HJ Kim)

 

Fig. 7a. A dead whooper swan. The cause of death was diagnosed as lead poisoning by a vet (Source: YJ Kim) 

 

Fig. 7b. Metal items found in the stomach of a dead whooper swan (above). The gray orval object in the center is a lead fishing weight which Korean anglers very commonly use. (Source: YJ Kim)

 

Cases of animal damage due to marine debris: 29 cases and 17 species of bird, mammal and crestacean