"How Did It Reach Jeju Waters?" Hammerhead Shark Found

The carcass of a hammerhead shark, a species typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, has been discovered off the coast of Seogwipo, Jeju.

According to Kim Byung-yup, a professor at the College of Ocean Science at Jeju National University, and others on Tuesday (July 21), a fishing boat discovered the shark carcass entangled in a discarded fishing net near Munseom Island in Seogwipo on July 17.

It was confirmed that the fishing boat found the carcass while removing a discarded net that had become wrapped around its propeller.

The hammerhead shark is approximately 1.5 meters long. Given that adults of the species can grow to 3 to 4 meters, it is estimated to be a juvenile.

Hammerhead sharks are a species that primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical waters.

While cases of them attacking humans are rare, they are known to be highly aggressive, and caution is advised.

"It is a very rare case for a hammerhead shark to be discovered off the coast of Jeju," said Professor Kim. "It appears to have reached the Jeju coast following the movement of its prey due to changes in water temperature."

(Photo: Yonhap News/Provided by Professor Kim Byung-yup, College of Ocean Science, Jeju National University)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.