Large sharks have been sighted repeatedly in the waters surrounding Jeju Island and the East Sea, according to reports released Friday.
These sightings signal a shifting marine ecosystem that could impact local fisheries and the safety of divers and coastal residents. The presence of these predators in areas where they were previously uncommon suggests a significant change in regional biodiversity.
Officials estimate that the sharks belong to the thresher-shark family. Recent observations describe the animals as measuring between two and three meters in length [2].
One local haenyeo, Park Shin-hye, described a close encounter with a large predator. She said a shark the size of a human body appeared, surrounded by a school of smaller sharks that circled her before swimming away.
The Korea Coast Guard has tracked the trend over several years. The agency said 14 officially confirmed shark incidents occurred off the coast of Jeju over the last three years [1].
Scientists and officials attribute the increased presence of these large sharks to rising sea temperatures. They said climate change is altering species distribution, making Korean waters more hospitable for these predators. This warming trend pushes species from warmer climates northward, creating new interactions between humans and marine life.
Local authorities continue to monitor the East Sea and Jeju waters to determine if the frequency of these sightings is accelerating. The shift in the ecosystem is viewed as a direct result of the warming ocean currents affecting the peninsula.
“The Korea Coast Guard has tracked 14 officially confirmed shark incidents off the coast of Jeju over the last three years.”
The migration of thresher-sharks and other large predators into Korean coastal waters serves as a biological indicator of ocean warming. As sea temperatures rise, the habitable zones for these species shift, forcing them into new territories. This ecological displacement not only alters the local food chain but increases the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict in areas traditionally used for diving and fishing.
