Microplastics in large marine animals stranded in the Republic of Korea.

Microplastics (MPs) are found in every ocean and are frequently ingested by marine animals. This study analyzed MPs in the stomachs and intestines of 12 large marine animals comprising one fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), seven finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), two loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), one Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), and one common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) that were stranded off the Republic of Korea between 2019 and 2021. MPs were detected with a mean abundance of 3.

Possible link between derelict fishing gear and sea turtle strandings in coastal areas.

Ghost fishing via a derelict fishing gear (DFG) is a critical threat to marine organisms. To explore the effect of DFG on sea turtle strandings, the DFG distribution was compared at two sites on Jeju Island (South Korea) with a contrasting number of strandings. Coastal areas in northern Jeju Island were surveyed during dives with scuba equipment, and the DFG from two sites, Gwideok-ri and Sinchang-ri was collected and compared in terms of quantity and size of the items.

Seafloor litter generated by coastal and offshore fisheries operations in the South Sea of Korea.

Seafloor litter sources, distribution and density were assessed in a bottom trawl survey of the South Sea around Jeju Island by the Ara-ho training ship of Jeju National University. Samples were taken from 14 transects at a depth range of 60-120 m in areas with sandy and muddy substratum. Generally, mean densities varied from 26.

First record of plastic debris ingestion by a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in the sea off East Asia.

Marine pollution caused by plastic litter can threaten the survival and health of marine organisms. In 2019, a juvenile fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus, length: 13.02 m, weight 12,000 kg) was found dead floating on the sea near Jeju Island, Republic of Korea.

First record of Ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens) stranded in Korea.

Two stranded whales were found dead on the coast of Jeju, South Korea. Based on the outer appearance and autopsy findings, one was determined to be an adult and the other a calf. The carcasses were dissected for species identification and pathological examination.