Researchers identify beloved sea creature as 3-meter female dusky shark
Bukang-i, the shark that has spent nearly three weeks in a canal at Busan's North Port Waterfront Park, has been identified as a female dusky shark about 3 meters long, researchers said Tuesday.
The National Institute of Fisheries Science confirmed the species after analyzing close-up footage that showed a pronounced ridge between its first and second dorsal fins.
Researchers initially considered it likely to be either a copper shark or a dusky shark after the animal was spotted Sept. 18. The closely related species are difficult to distinguish by sight, but copper sharks lack the ridge.
The institute estimated Bukang-i's length by comparing it with nearby structures of known dimensions and determined its sex from anatomical features on its underside.
Dusky sharks are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List because of declining populations. They grow and reproduce slowly, give birth to live young and can reach 4.2 meters in length.
The species was first formally recorded in South Korean waters in 2019 and has since been documented along the country's coastline, including near Busan and Jeju Island.
Two attempts to guide Bukang-i back to the open sea have failed, after the shark returned deeper into the canal after approaching its exit. The exact reason for its return remains unclear.
Bukang-i, whose nickname is a playful take on Bukhang, Korean for North Port, has drawn crowds to the waterfront park, with cumulative visits exceeding 1 million by Monday.
The institute said it will continue monitoring the shark's swimming behavior and health and coordinate with Busan authorities if it detects signs of trouble.
jwc@heraldcorp.com
