Target: Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, South Korea
Goal: Protect the bottlenose dolphins of Jeju by establishing stronger legal protections against harmful human activities.
The bottlenose dolphins of Jeju face increasing danger from human activities that allegedly threaten their survival. Reports highlight one particular dolphin named Orae, who has tragically lost an appendage due to entanglement with discarded fishing gear, a common threat in their habitat. These dolphins endure not only physical injuries from fishing lines but also stress from close encounters with boats and jetskis, contributing to a growing concern for their well-being and population. As a result, environmental advocates are urging a revision of current protections for these marine mammals, arguing that the legal status of dolphins must be elevated to ensure their rights are upheld.
Furthermore, the dangers faced by bottlenose dolphins extend beyond entanglement. Pollution from fish farms, the noise from nearby construction, and excessive tourism all compromise the habitat and health of these creatures. The construction of the largest windfarm in Korea off the coast of Jeju raises additional alarms, with campaigners asserting that current laws are insufficient to mitigate the negative impacts of human intervention. In light of these alarming circumstances, activists are working to elevate the bottlenose dolphins to the status of “legal persons,” which would allow legal actions to be taken on their behalf against those who threaten their habitat and existence.
Establishing stronger protections for the bottlenose dolphins in Jeju is essential for their survival and the health of marine ecosystems. It is vital to listen to the voices of advocates who seek to safeguard these majestic creatures and ensure that the laws governing their environment are stringent enough to prevent further harm. The demand is clear: immediate action is necessary to grant the Jeju bottlenose dolphins the legal recognition they require to thrive in their natural habitat.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister of Oceans and Fisheries,
The alarming plight of the bottlenose dolphins around Jeju must be addressed with the urgency it deserves. With dolphins like Orae suffering from the devastating consequences of entanglement in discarded fishing gear, it is clear that the current protections are inadequate. Reports indicate that these dolphins face not only physical injuries but also harmful disturbances from boats and pollution, further endangering their survival. As advocated by marine conservationists, elevating the status of these dolphins to “legal persons” will empower meaningful legal actions to protect them from ongoing threats.
In addition to the risk posed by entanglement, the dolphins are confronted with environmental dangers stemming from pollution related to fish farming and disruptive construction activities nearby. With tourism and windfarm development on the rise, the unique aquatic habitat of these dolphins is increasingly at risk. Current regulations designed to protect them—including the designation of a marine protected area—lack sufficient enforcement power to ensure their safety from boats and fishing activities that infringe upon their space.
To protect the bottlenose dolphins of Jeju, it is imperative that you take action now by strengthening legal protections that can effectively address the numerous threats they face. This includes supporting the movement to grant them legal personhood and working to enhance marine conservation laws that safeguard their future. We must ensure that these intelligent and sensitive beings are given the protections they deserve.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Photo credit: Pixabay
