Large sharks have been observed appearing more frequently off the coasts of Jeju Island and the East Sea in South Korea.
These sightings signal a shift in marine species distribution, suggesting that warming oceans are making previously uncommon areas hospitable for larger predators.
Confirmed reports indicate that 14 cases of shark sightings have occurred off Jeju over the past three years [1]. The sharks observed in these recent reports are presumed to be thresher sharks, with some measuring between two and three meters in length [1].
Local witnesses have described encounters with these animals in the water. Park Shin-hye, a haenyeo diver, said a shark the size of a human body appeared with a school of smaller sharks circling around her in a circle before swimming away.
Experts said the increasing presence of these predators is due to rising sea temperatures linked to climate change [1]. As the water warms, the ecological balance of the region shifts, allowing species that typically prefer different climates to migrate into South Korean coastal waters.
While thresher sharks are generally not considered aggressive toward humans, the increase in sightings has raised awareness among local divers, and fishing communities. The recurring nature of these appearances suggests a long-term trend rather than isolated incidents.
“14 confirmed cases of shark sightings have occurred off Jeju over the past three years”
The migration of large predators like thresher sharks into the East Sea and Jeju waters is a biological indicator of ocean warming. As climate change alters water temperatures, the distribution of marine life shifts, which can disrupt local fisheries and change the risks associated with traditional diving and fishing practices in the region.
