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WCC 2020 Rec 094 - Activity Report

Submitted by Youngran.LEE on Thu, 06/15/2023 - 13:37
General Information
Safeguarding the Endangered narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) in the Yellow Sea
IUCN Constituent: 
IUCN SSC Cetacean Specialist Group 2021-2025
IUCN Constituent type: 
IUCN Species Survival Commission 2021-2025
Period covered: 
2023
In implementing this Resolution your organization has worked/consulted with...
IUCN Members: 
Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea ( MOF ) / Korea (RK)
IUCN Commissions: 
IUCN Species Survival Commission 2021-2025 (SSC)
Implementation
Indicate and briefly describe any actions that have been carried out to implement this Resolution: 
ActionDescriptionStatus
Convene stakeholders/NetworkingA collaborative working group has been established for the conservation of NRFPs, comprising researchers, NGOs, and policymakers from Korea, China, and Japan. Each subgroup within this collaboration is dedicated to advancing the realms of scientific research, policy making, and public awareness and education. Upcoming schedules organised by the Korean Ministry of Fisheries (MOF) includes an online meeting set for July, followed by a conference and face-to-face meetings in Seoul this September.On-going
Education/Communication/Raising awarenessThree meetings were set up with members of the fishing communities in the South and Western seas of Korea, particularly with those who have experienced frequent bycatch during autumn of 2022. These meetings aimed to gather crucial insights and information directly from the affected communities regarding the challenges they faced with bycatch. Furthermore, the meetings provided an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue surrounding the importance and advantages of NRFP (Natural Resources Forest Protected) conservation.Completed
Field activitiesSince 2019, unmanned drones (UAV) and line transect surveys were utilized for population studies in the south and western seas of Korea. This approach has enabled researchers to assess and analyze NRFP populations. Moreover, since 2022, dedicated efforts have been directed towards conducting acoustics research in select areas, further enhancing our understanding of marine ecosystems. As the years have progressed, the scope of area coverage has expanded significantly, fueling plans for future expansion to facilitate even more extensive and comprehensive data collection.On-going
Policy influencing/advocacyOfficials at the City of Yeosu are currently actively engaged in discussions with key stakeholders to designate nearby waters Korea's second NRFP protected area, while simultaneously addressing logistical considerations. In parallel, MOF is formulating collaborative strategies for cities along the South and Western coasts to unite their efforts in the preservation of NRFPs, fostering a collective approach towards conservation.On-going
Scientific/technical activitiesIn 2022, Plan Ocean, a Korean NGO collaborating with MOF, conducted necropsies on 14 NRFP specimens. The findings revealed that deaths were caused by suffocation during bycatch, trauma from collisions, as well as parasitic infections. The necropsies also encompassed studies on general biology, parasitology, habitat, microplastics, and POPs. In 2023, an additional 15 specimens will be examined, with an expanded research scope.On-going
Scientific/technical activitiesThe National Institute of Fisheries Science, a science-oriented subsidiary under the MOF, developed excluder devices for stow nets, which are known to have a high association with bycatch. However, in response to concerns raised by fishing communities regarding potential decreases in catch, further development and upgrades are currently underway.On-going
Please report on the result /achievement of the actions taken: 
The collaborative efforts for NRFP conservation have resulted in significant achievements. A working group comprising researchers, NGOs, and policymakers from Korea, China, and Japan has been established, focusing on scientific research, policy-making, and public awareness. Meetings with fishing communities in the South and Western seas of Korea have provided insights into the challenges of bycatch and highlighted the importance of NRFP conservation. Utilizing unmanned drones and line transect surveys since 2019, researchers have assessed NRFP populations and expanded their understanding of marine ecosystems through acoustics research. Plan Ocean conducted necropsies on NRFP specimens, revealing causes of death and studying various aspects such as biology, habitat, and pollution. The National Institute of Fisheries Science's development of excluder devices for stow nets shows progress, with ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by fishing communities. These actions collectively contribute to a comprehensive and collaborative approach toward NRFP conservation.
Identify and briefly describe what future actions are planned for the implementation of this Resolution: 
Additional Information
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File IUCN 2020 WCC recommendations No.94 2023 Activity report.docx