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Mountaineer Um Hong-gil
There is only one last mission left to do for the mountaineer who came to the sea.
Would the marine plants have grown much during the past year?
They have survived!
Their roots are firmly embedded.
Many creatures are already living among the forest created by these marine plants.
I'm sure Mr. Um's heart has lightened at the sight.
The young fish are growing well in the forest.
Nature thankfully exists
even in the underwater forest that was artificially made.
What about the East Sea?
A retired fishing vessel with a lot of history
is now working hard as a haven to many sea creatures.
Brownbanded Moon Jelly Is this some kind of a secret base for UFOs?
A jellyfish is floating around as if it would take off for the space.
Hairy Jelly
This jellyfish that moves differently from others
as if it's dancing is hairy jelly.
Abundant corals are in full blooms
at this fishing reef that utilizes a retired vessel.
Sea Squirt Many creatures that are familiar to us have also made this place their homes.
Armorclad Rockfish
A golden rock trout can be seen amidst the others.
It looks to be very busy.
Golden Rock Trout
Oh! It was guarding its eggs.
I wonder if its young will ever come to know that
Rock trout before the breeding season without the father's love that changed the color of his body
to gold during the breeding season, they would never be able to see the daylight.
Octopus Starfish An octopus starfish hangs near waiting for a chance to steal the eggs.
However, it is the North Pacific starfish that makes the first move.
The rock trout won't stand this.
He fiercely punishes the starfish that dared to set its sights
on his precious babies.
In place of the mother that disappeared after laying the eggs,
the father who had been left behind protects its young with all that he's got,
sometimes even up to 2 months.
That must sting.
He only needs to last a bit longer now
that the egg membranes have turned transparent.
It seems to be feeling that something is seriously wrong.
It is an octopus, the plunderer of the sea.
The fish takes a stab
but it is not an easy foe to vanquish.
The rock trout retreats for now to bide his chance.
It braces itself for the battle and attacks again.
And again.
Nothing can win against the father protecting his young.
It has won the battle.
The eggs cheer as their dependable father returns victoriously.
Finally,
it is now the time for the great birth after the times of endurance.
Our ocean is hurting from the changing climate.
However, the birth of living beings gives us hope.
The mountaineer who came to the sea with the tragedy of the Himalayas in his heart
has gained hope from the sea.
I believe only wise challenges can change the future.
Only then will the mountains and the oceans breathe as one,
like they were meant to do.