South Korean authorities report a sharp rise in shark sightings and captures off the East Sea coast this season [1, 2].
The surge in sightings indicates a shifting marine ecosystem, as warming waters draw larger predators closer to shore and into areas frequented by humans.
Confirmed sightings this season have reached 56 sharks [1]. This represents an increase of more than threefold compared with the same period last year [1]. Among the species identified are white sharks, hammerhead sharks, and blue sharks [1, 2].
Recent activity has been concentrated near Uljin, Yangyang, and approximately four km offshore of Anmok Beach in Gangneung [1, 2]. On July 5 and 6, four sharks were caught in fishing nets over a two-day period [1]. One of the captured white sharks measured approximately two m in length [1].
Experts attribute the trend to rising sea-surface temperatures, which are about 2 °C higher than last year [1]. These warmer waters have increased the abundance of prey fish, which in turn draws sharks toward the coast [1, 2].
Local concerns have grown as the animals appear closer to public beaches. A warning regarding the sharks was issued on July 4 [1, 2].
"Since they say sharks are appearing, as someone with a child, I think it is something to be concerned about," Kim Eui-min said [1].
“Confirmed sightings this season have reached 56 sharks.”
The increase in shark sightings is a direct biological response to thermal shifts in the East Sea. As surface temperatures rise, the migration patterns of prey fish change, creating a 'food chain pull' that brings apex predators into shallower coastal waters. This trend suggests that climate-driven ocean warming is actively altering the distribution of marine life in South Korean waters, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict.
