WCC 2020 Rec 094 - Activity Report

Dr. Youngran Lee has been invited to speak at the side event Collaborating for Conservation: Protecting the Yellow Sea’s Biodiversity and Ecosystems, held in conjunction with the Our Ocean Conference. This event will focus on strengthening Korea–China collaboration in the designation and management of marine protected areas in the Yellow Sea. Its objectives include highlighting the ecological significance of the region, facilitating transboundary cooperation through joint conservation initiatives and knowledge exchange, and exploring practical approaches to improving MPA management, safeguarding migratory species and their habitats, and enhancing wetland conservation. Anticipated outcomes include increased engagement of local, national, and regional stakeholders; identification of priority actions to advance MPA, and wetland conservation efforts. While the agenda primarily focuses on wetlands and migratory species, Dr. Lee will seek to ensure the inclusion of marine mammals as a vital component of the region’s biodiversity and conservation priorities.

KBS Docu-Insight, a long-running program under Korea Broadcasting System (KBS), is producing a three-part documentary featuring Korea’s endangered native species. They have confirmed the inclusion of the Narrow-Ridged Finless Porpoise in their coverage, and started filming. Plan Ocean will serve as advisors, providing scientific expertise and insights. Additionally, Youngran will appear in the documentary to highlight the importance of biodiversity, the conservation of NRFPs, and the mission of Plan Ocean. This documentary is scheduled to air in December 2025.

Since the last report, we have actively participated in media opportunities to raise awareness of the NRFP’s endangered status and the need for conservation. Dr. Youngran Lee appeared on EBS Inviting Seat, a nationally televised talk show, where she highlighted key threats to cetaceans, such as bycatch, pollution, and climate change, as well as the lack of a marine mammal rescue network in South Korea. She introduced Plan Ocean’s plan to launch the 'Go Go Go' project, aimed at establishing a rapid response team for strandings.
Plan Ocean contributed to the production of the docuseries Whale and I as advisors and external researchers. On World Water Day 2025, a special screening of the documentary was held at Leica Cinema. Following the screening, a Q&A session (GV) was held with the director and producer Keun-Byul Lee, and Youngran, as marine mammal veterinarian and head of Plan Ocean. Together, they engaged in a heartfelt discussion with a diverse audience about the future of our planet and oceans, and how we must navigate a world shaped by climate crisis.
Beyond her EBS and GV appearance, Youngran has been featured in multiple media outlets through interviews with Green Peace, News Penguin, Donga Science magazine and Goodnews magazine, discussing the broader environmental implications of declining whale populations. To expand outreach, we also partnered with IFULUV, a cosmetics company, to create a YouTube video promoting animal and eco-friendly products.

We are currently planning three exhibition booths, each for the New Taipei City Archaeology Festival, Jeongok Prehistory Museum and the National Incheon Marine Museum, focusing on endangered marine mammals. It will highlight the decline in cetacean populations and the conservation efforts underway to protect them. One of the key features of this exhibit will be an interactive model of the bycatch exclusion device used in fishing nets to help visitors better understand how it works and why it's important for reducing bycatch.