Abrasions Found on "Bukang-i" Shark in Busan North Port After Sudden Turns

[Anchor]

It has now been 20 days since "Bukang-i," affectionately dubbed the "national shark," took up residence in Busan North Port. While it has been providing unique entertainment to citizens, the prolonged stay within the narrow waterway has led to concerns: abrasions have been found on Bukang-i.

This report is by Choi Han-sol from KNN.

[Reporter]

Marking its 20th day staying in the waterway of the North Port Waterfront Park, Bukang-i.

Upon closer inspection, however, its snout area appears red.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science suspects that it may have sustained abrasions from colliding with the walls of the waterway.

Officials suggest it may have been startled by flashlights shone by visitors at night.

[Kim Hyun-woo / Researcher, National Institute of Fisheries Science: Last night, visitors shone flashlights and beamed strong light toward Bukang-i, at which point Bukang-i abruptly changed direction...]<br />
There are also arguments that it might have been injured during the process of crossing over the guide net on October 2.

The fisheries institute stated that fortunately, the injuries do not appear to be major, so they do not seem to hinder its feeding activities.

There is also concern about potential infection around the wounded area, but analysis suggests that possibility is low as water temperatures are dropping.

[Kim Jin-gu / Professor, Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, Pukyong National University: Now that water temperatures are dropping... When water temperatures are high, Vibrio bacteria are very active, so high water temperatures can be bad...]<br />
As Bukang-i appears unable to feed properly within the waterway and has accumulated stress from staying in a confined space for a long time, experts point out that visitors should refrain from actions that provoke Bukang-i.

[Kwon Soo-oh / Nam-gu, Busan: We were quiet. Quietly, without even shouting. I hope people can show some courtesy to it as well.]<br />
Meanwhile, the number of visitors who have visited the Busan North Port Waterfront Park to see Bukang-i has surpassed 1.05 million so far.

(Video Captured by: Jeon Jae-hyun / KNN, Video Edited by: Oh Hyun-hee / KNN)

Choi Han-sol, KNN
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.