Aggressive Scalloped Hammerhead Shark Carcass Found Off Jeju Coast; Tropical Species Discovery Unusual

A rare discovery has been made off the coast of Jeju Island, South Korea, with the finding of a scalloped hammerhead shark carcass. The species, typically inhabiting warmer tropical and subtropical waters, is not commonly found in the waters around Jeju.

The deceased shark, measuring approximately 1.5 meters and believed to be a juvenile, was retrieved by a fishing vessel operating near Munseom Island on July 17. The shark was entangled in discarded fishing gear, which had also become caught in the vessel's propeller. Marine police were alerted and consulted with Professor Kim Byung-yeop of Jeju National University's College of Ocean Sciences, who identified the species.

Scalloped hammerheads can grow to between 3 to 4 meters in length as adults. Their distinctive "hammer-shaped" head is a key identifying feature. Professor Kim suggested that the shark may have traveled to Jeju while following prey that had moved due to changes in water temperature. The discovery is considered unusual for the region.

Although scalloped hammerheads are known to be aggressive, attacks on humans are infrequent. Professor Kim noted that the shark's presence near the coast could present a danger to divers, such as Jeju's female divers, known as 'haenyeo'. He also mentioned that the shark carcass is scheduled for a post-mortem examination. The marine police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the entanglement in the discarded fishing nets.

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The marine police asked if it was a scalloped hammerhead or a winghead shark. Scalloped hammerheads are also a protected species, but they pose a risk to divers if they appear near the coast.