The Shark that would not leave
South Korea’s National Institute of Fisheries Science identified Bukangi (“books”) as a female Dusky shark measuring about 10 feet in length. The species, which inhabit tropical, subtropical and temperate waters, is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Bukangi’s appearance has also drawn attention to changes in the waters around South Korea, with experts citing warming seas as one possible factor behind a rise in large shark sightings. The fisheries institute recorded 46 sightings of large sharks along the country’s east coast in the first half of this year, compared with 12 last year. The shark’s stay was unusual because the narrow canal has large ship traffic and lies near high-rise buildings and a major high-speed rail station in central Busan.
The operation to free the shark was deemed necessary because the shark had not been observed feeding, and falling temperatures could affect its health, city officials said. South Korean media also said Bukangi had sustained minor injuries to its fin and snout. Authorities tried to guide it out on September 29 and October 2 but both attempts were unsuccessful. On Wednesday, authorities used a net attached to floating platforms and divers to navigate the canal’s underwater terrain and varying depths. Workers moved the net toward the sea while preventing the shark from swimming back into the canal.
“Bukangi” who authorities spent hours guiding into the open sea has swum back into a canal in the port city of Busan, eluding a net that was meant to prevent her return. Authorities have so far made three attempts to encourage her to return to the open sea, the latest of which was on Wednesday involving floating platforms, nets, and divers. But on Thursday, the ministry said that the shark had swum under one of the nets installed in the canal to be caught between the outer net and an inner net installed 30 to 40 meters deeper into the waterway. Officials have opened the outer net and reinforced barriers to prevent the shark from retreating further, in hopes that Bukangi would move out into the open water, they said. Experts said no further efforts to guide Bukangi out to the open sea are necessary, as the shark’s condition is stable. Authorities will continue to monitor her condition, the ministry added. The shark’s prolonged stay has raised concerns about warming ocean temperatures as the cause of more frequent shark sightings along South Korea’s east coast.
Korean fish stories
Arguing with strangers online is like wrestling sharks.
Even if you win, it was a really stupid thing to do.
It is my ambition to see a great white shark before I die.
Just not RIGHT before I die.
Why do sharks have teeth?
For eating porpoises.
So we took our new dog to the beach today.
I realize now it was not a good idea to name him “Shark.”
October 23rd Birthdays
1987 – Emilia Clarke,+ Carmella, 1991 – Elise Bauman, 1986 – Jessica Stroup, 1988 – Amandla Sternberg
1941 – Pele, 1955 – Ang Lee, 1970 – Grant Imahara, 1997 – Nick Bosa