• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.121-126
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• 2008

This study presents the results of basic sighting surveys conducted for dolphin watching from 2004 to 2006 in the northeastern waters of Jeju. The sighting probability of dolphins (bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) was 71.9% (82 sightings out of 114 surveys). The dolphin's attractive behaviors observed included leaping, tail or peduncle slapping and surfing. The findings of this study provide useful baseline data for dolphin watching in the northeastern waters of Jeju.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.166-171
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• 2008

The feasibility of photo-identification techniques for the bottlenose dolphins from Jeju Island, Korea, and the potential for dolphin watching were simultaneously evaluated in this study. During the sighting survey, a pod of bottlenose dolphins composed of approximately 30 individuals was observed in the southwestern coastal area of Jeju Island. Among 35 suitable photographs, five bottlenose dolphin individuals were identified and cataloged using unique nicks and notches on their dorsal fins. This shows that the Jeju Island dolphins can be individually identified by the nicks and notches on their dorsal fins using photo-identification techniques. Furthermore, the Jeju Island population appears to be suitable for long-term population biology studies using this technique. The potential for dolphin watching around the island would be higher if more information on the seasonal distribution, movement, and residency of this population were obtained.