This episode takes you on a deep dive into the vibrant and diverse marine ecosystems of the country, with a special focus on the unique biodiversity of Jeju Island.

Discover how technology aids in conservation efforts, the transformative effects of climate change on marine benthic ecosystems, and the importance of seaweeds and gastropods in these underwater paradises.

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of marine life, from the role of the Taiwan current in shaping ecosystems to the fascinating reproductive traits of the sea hare species, Aplysia kurodai.

References :

-Khim, J. S., Lee, C., Song, S. J., Bae, H., Noh, J., Lee, J., ... & Choi, J. W. (2021). Marine biodiversity in Korea: A review of macrozoobenthic assemblages, their distributions, and long-term community changes from human impacts. Oceanography and Marine Biology, 483-532. -Yang, H. S., Kim, T., Lee, K. T., Kim, T., Baker, D. M., & Kang, D. H. (2023). Use of autonomous reef monitoring structures to monitor changes in the marine environment in Jeju, South Korea: A brief review. Ocean Science Journal, 58(2), 17. -Cho, I. Y., Kang, D. W., Kang, J., Hwang, H., Won, J. H., Paek, W. K., & Seo, S. Y. (2014). A study on the biodiversity of benthic invertebrates in the waters of Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Korea. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, 7(1), e11-e18.ISO 690
-Ko, J. C., Ko, H. J., Kim, B. Y., Cha, H. K., & Chang, D. S. (2012). Distribution characteristic of exploitable macrobenthic invertebrates of beach sediments in the southern coastal water of Jeju Island. The Korean Journal of Malacology, 28(3), 197-213.ISO 690 -Lee, C. H., Kaang, B. K., & Lee, Y. D. (2014). Spawning behavior and egg development of Aplysia kurodai inhabiting the coastal waters of Jeju Island, Korea. Development & Reproduction, 18(1), 25.ISO 690
-Kang, J. C., Choi, H. G., & Kim, M. S. (2011). Macroalgal species composition and seasonal variation in biomass on Udo, Jeju Island, Korea. Algae, 26(4), 333-342.

A daily intake of approximately 4 tons of krill equates to about 3 million calories for the blue whale, the earth's largest creature.

This is a stark contrast to the mere 2,500 calories an average human requires. This comparison alone offers a glimpse into the blue whale's impressive lifestyle and biology that we will explore.

We'll also delve into the best conservation methods for this species and discuss why its size defies typical mammalian norms.

References :

- Abrahms, B., Hazen, E. L., Aikens, E. O., Savoca, M. S., Goldbogen, J. A., Bograd, S. J., ... & Mate, B. R. (2019). Memory and resource tracking drive blue whale migrations. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(12), 5582-5587

⁠- Slater Graham J.⁠, ⁠Goldbogen Jeremy A.⁠ and ⁠Pyenson Nicholas D.⁠ 2017 Independent evolution of baleen whale gigantism linked to Plio-Pleistocene ocean dynamics Proc. R. Soc. B.*28420170546. - Sylvestre, J.-P. (2016). Cétacés du monde: Systématique, éthologie, biologie, écologie, statut. Editions Quae.

All creatures are bound by time, yet their lifespan is dictated by their genetic and epigenetic makeup. The leatherback turtle is a prime example, armed with sophisticated survival strategies that defy time and mortality.

Discover where they hatch, their diet, their behavior, and how their exceptional ability to regenerate could provide invaluable insights for us.

References :

-Avens L, Taylor JC, Goshe LR, Jones TT, Hastings M (2009) Use of skeletochronological analysis to estimate the age of leatherback sea turtles Dermochelys coriacea in the western North Atlantic. Endang Species Res 8:165-177

-Heaslip SG, Iverson SJ, Bowen WD, James MC (2012) Jellyfish Support High Energy Intake of Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea): Video Evidence from Animal-Borne Cameras. PLoS ONE 7(3): e33259. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0033259

-Avens L, Taylor JC, Goshe LR, Jones TT, Hastings M (2009) Use of skeletochronological analysis to estimate the age of leatherback sea turtles Dermochelys coriacea in the western North Atlantic. Endang Species Res 8:165-177. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00202

-J. Michael C, Myers Ransom A and Ottensmeyer C. Andrea 2005 Behaviour of leatherback sea turtles, Dermochelys coriacea, during the migratory cycle*Proc. R. Soc. B.*2721547–1555