Whale Rescue
Returning Whales Safely to the Ocean
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium works in partnership with the Cetacean Research Institute of the National Institute of Fisheries Science, the Korea Coast Guard, and other specialist organisations to support the rescue of whales that have become stranded, entered harbours or inner ports, or become entangled in aquaculture or fishing facilities. Through rapid, coordinated responses tailored to each situation, we help whales return safely to their natural habitat while contributing to the conservation of marine mammals and the protection of healthy marine ecosystems.
1. Entangled Whale Rescue
Safely Freeing Whales from Fishing Gear
In 2015, an endangered North Pacific right whale became entangled in anchor lines at an aquaculture farm in Mijo Port, Namhae. Working alongside the Whale Research Institute of the National Institute of Fisheries Science, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium supported the rescue operation by helping remove the entangling gear, enabling the whale to safely return to the open sea.
2. Guiding Stranded Whales Back to the Sea
Helping Lost Whales Find Their Way Home
In 2025, a juvenile sperm whale entered the inner harbour of Daebyeon Port in Gijang, Busan, and became trapped among moored vessels. Working alongside the Whale Research Institute of the National Institute of Fisheries Science and the Korea Coast Guard, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium supported the on-site response, including vessel movement coordination, to create a safe passage. The whale was then able to navigate through the outer harbour and return safely to the open sea on its own.
Rescue History
| Species | Year | Location | Rescue Activity | Partner Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whale Shark | 2006 | Haeundae, Busan | Rescued a stranded whale shark. | - |
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 2008 | Jagalchi, Busan | Safely guided a stranded dolphin from the harbour back to open waters. | - |
| Minke Whale | 2013 | Suyeong Bay Yacht Marina, Busan | Guided a trapped whale safely back to sea. | - |
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 2013 | Suyeong Bay Yacht Marina, Busan | Guided a trapped dolphin safely back to sea. | - |
| North Pacific Right Whale | 2015 | Mijo Port, Namhae, Gyeongnam | Supported the rescue of a whale entangled in aquaculture anchor lines in collaboration with the Whale Research Institute. | National Institute of Fisheries Science, Whale Research Institute |
| Sperm Whale | 2025 | Daebyeon Port, Gijang, Busan | Worked with the Korea Coast Guard and the Whale Research Institute to safely guide a juvenile sperm whale from the inner harbour back to open sea. | Korea Coast Guard, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Whale Research Institute |
