On August 24, fishermen encountered a whale shark. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
POHANG, Aug. 29 (Korea Bizwire) – In a series of unusual sightings that experts say may be linked to climate change, several subtropical marine species have been spotted in the waters off Pohang, a coastal city in North Gyeongsang Province.
On August 26, local fishermen reported seeing a pod of false killer whales in the sea east of Guryongpo, a town in southern Pohang. The cetaceans, known for their social behavior, were observed breaching the surface and flicking their tails.
False killer whales, designated as protected marine life by South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, typically inhabit warmer waters and travel in large groups. While occasional summer sightings in Korean waters are not unheard of, their presence is becoming more frequent.
Earlier in August, a blue marlin and a giant manta ray were also observed in the vicinity. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
This sighting follows a string of other unexpected marine visitors to the area. On August 24, fishermen encountered a whale shark, the largest known extant fish species and another protected marine animal. Whale sharks, primarily found in tropical open waters, have been increasingly spotted in the seas surrounding the Korean peninsula in recent years.
Earlier in August, a blue marlin and a giant manta ray were also observed in the vicinity. Both species are more commonly associated with subtropical marine environments.
“It seems that with climate change and the recent high water temperatures, we’re seeing more and more subtropical marine life appearing in the East Sea,” said a local fishing industry official.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
