Status of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) around Jeju Island, Korea, was assessed using potential biological removal (PBR) and mortality data. Considering the 2009 estimated abundance of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in this area (114; 95 CI = 109-133), the PBR for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins calculated as one individual, based on the minimum population estimate (109), one-half of the maximum theoretical net productivity rate (0.02), and the recovery factor (0.5). Estimated mean level of anthropogenic mortality from 2009 to 2010 was nine individuals. Based on these numbers the status of this stock was considered as strategic. Primary sources of anthropogenic mortality were bycatch and incidental live capture in pound nets. Most incidentally live-captured individuals were illegally sold to aquaria for dolphin shows. Because of the strategic status of this population, it is urgently necessary to reduce the amount of bycatch and incidental live capture in pound nets. Further study is needed using population viability analysis to assess the likelihood of long-term survival of this population.
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