Garorim Bay, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea – The heartwarming tale of two rescued spotted seals, Bomi and Yangyangi, culminated in their release into the pristine waters of Garorim Bay last October. However, recent satellite tracking data has revealed a less sentimental, yet entirely natural, epilogue: the pair, a male and a female, parted ways shortly after regaining their freedom, embarking on individual journeys dictated by instinct and the vastness of their marine habitat.

Bomi and Yangyangi's journey to Garorim Bay was one of rehabilitation and hope. Bomi, a male, was discovered in March 2023 in a severely dehydrated state on a coastal structure in Jumunjin, Gangwon Province, on the eastern coast of South Korea. Yangyangi, the female, was found stranded and weakened near Mulchi Port in Yangyang County, also in Gangwon Province, in March of the following year. Both seals underwent crucial recovery and care at different facilities before being transferred to the Whale Ecology Experience Center in Ulsan. There, they were gradually introduced to each other and underwent natural adaptation training, including honing their skills in hunting live fish – essential for their survival in the wild.

Following a thorough assessment that deemed them fit for release, Garorim Bay was chosen as their new home. This expansive bay, renowned for its rich biodiversity and as a significant habitat for spotted seals, offered the ideal environment for their reintegration into the wild. Garorim Bay holds the distinction of being South Korea's first and largest marine protected area, encompassing a sprawling 15,985 hectares of sea and 8,000 hectares of tidal flats along a 162-kilometer coastline dotted with numerous islands. Its ecological significance is further underscored by its inclusion within the West and South Sea tidal flats, recognized as one of the world's top five most important tidal flat ecosystems.

The release in October was met with optimism by conservationists and the public alike. However, the satellite tracking initiated by the Whale Research Institute, in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, soon painted a picture of independence. The data revealed that Bomi and Yangyangi, despite their shared rehabilitation and release, followed their natural instincts and dispersed in different directions.

Bomi, the male seal, ventured northwards swiftly after release. The day after returning to the sea, he was tracked near Mohang Port in Taean County. His journey continued offshore, reaching the open waters west of Taean by October 25th. His northward trajectory then took him past Baengnyeong Island on October 26th, and by the following day, he had crossed the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the maritime boundary between North and South Korea. His remarkable journey continued further north, with his location recorded near Sinuiju in North Pyongan Province, North Korea, by November 15th.

Interestingly, Bomi then began a southward migration on November 17th, retracing some of his path through the waters near Baengnyeong and Ganghwa Islands, the Gyeonggi Province coastline, and the vicinity of Garorim Bay. He briefly reappeared near Mallipo Beach on December 16th before once again heading north, eventually settling in the waters near Sinuiju until his satellite tag ceased transmitting on March 17th.

Yangyangi, the female, took a more westward route initially. Two days after her release, she was tracked near Jebudo Island in Gyeonggi Province. The following day, she moved southwards to the vicinity of Deokjeokdo and Gadeokdo Islands in Incheon. Her satellite signal was lost on October 20th in the waters between Taean and Gadeokdo Island, suggesting a more localized initial dispersal compared to Bomi's extensive northward journey.

The cessation of satellite signals for both seals is likely attributed to either the depletion of the tracking devices' batteries, which have a limited lifespan, or potential damage to the devices during the seals' natural activities such as movement, diving, and foraging. While the loss of signal marks the end of direct tracking, the initial data provides valuable insights into their post-release behavior.

A representative from the provincial government offered an interpretation of the tracking data, stating that both seals appeared to have adapted well to their return to the wild. The divergence in their paths is considered a natural behavior, possibly indicating their integration into different existing seal communities or their individual foraging preferences. This initial tracking data is considered crucial for ongoing ecological research on spotted seals in the region.

Adding a hopeful note, the official speculated on the possibility of a future reunion in Garorim Bay. Given the migratory nature of spotted seals and Bomi's return to the vicinity of Garorim Bay after venturing north, there remains a chance that the pair could cross paths again during their seasonal movements.

Spotted seals (Phoca largha) are a vital part of the marine ecosystem in the Yellow Sea and surrounding areas. They are listed as Natural Monument No. 331 in South Korea, signifying their cultural and ecological importance. Furthermore, they are classified as an endangered wild animal Class I and a marine protected species, highlighting their vulnerable status and the need for continued conservation efforts. Their diet primarily consists of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine food web.

The population of spotted seals in Garorim Bay, while relatively small, represents a significant breeding and resting site for these animals in South Korea. Surveys conducted by the Whale Research Institute in 2021 recorded a maximum of 12 individuals in the bay, underscoring the importance of this habitat for the species' survival in the region.

The South Chungcheong Province is actively pursuing the Garorim Bay National Marine Ecology Park project, recognizing the bay's ecological significance and its potential as a world-class ecological tourism destination. The project aims to transform the bay into a harmonious space where nature, human activities, and marine life coexist sustainably. The comprehensive plan for the ecology park includes various initiatives such as systematic monitoring of the marine ecosystem, restoration of tidal flat habitats, reduction of pollution sources, revitalization of freshwater lake ecosystems, the creation of ecological trails and boat tours, an educational Garorim Bay Academy, a West Sea Tidal Flat Ecological Park, and even a dedicated spotted seal observation center. The total estimated budget for this ambitious undertaking is 443.1 billion KRW, demonstrating the province's commitment to the long-term conservation and sustainable development of Garorim Bay.

The story of Bomi and Yangyangi, while seemingly a tale of separation, underscores the resilience of wildlife and the importance of successful rehabilitation and release programs. Their individual journeys will contribute valuable data to the ongoing efforts to understand and protect the spotted seal population in the Yellow Sea. The potential for their return to Garorim Bay in the future serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the enduring hope for the continued presence of these fascinating creatures in South Korean waters. The Garorim Bay National Marine Ecology Park project, fueled by such stories and scientific understanding, holds the promise of safeguarding this vital habitat for generations to come.