[Anchor] It seems that rare marine creatures are being spotted one after another in the seas off Jeju. This is due to climate change, right?
[Reporter] Yes, on June 30, a whale shark measuring 3 to 4 meters in length was seen swimming leisurely around a fishing boat that was out for squid fishing off the coast of Aewol-eup, Jeju City.
The footage captured by the fishermen at the time clearly shows its broad head and distinctive white spotted pattern.
Whale sharks are an endangered species that primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical waters. With rising water temperatures, they are being spotted—albeit rarely—around Jeju, as well as along the southern and eastern coasts.
This is not the only change brought about by rising water temperatures.
Recently, hundreds of bluefin tuna have been caught at once off the east coast, and the appearance of tropical and subtropical marine life, such as marlin, manta rays, and false killer whales, is becoming more frequent.
Experts emphasize that as rising sea temperatures increase the availability of prey, the activity range of these fish species is shifting northward, necessitating continuous observation and research.
(Source: Seungryong-ho, Yonhap News)
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