1.6m Visit Stranded Shark
A group of YouTubers in South Korea took turns to protect a 3-metre dusky shark stuck in a canal in Busan, which was finally guided out to sea after more than a month
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Experts raised concerns about the shark's health due to lack of eating and difficulty swimming.
Story published. A group of YouTubers in South Korea took turns to protect a 3-metre dusky shark stuck in a canal in Busan, which was finally guided out to sea after more than a month
A shark, named Bukang-i, was stranded in a canal in Busan, South Korea, for more than a month, attracting over 1.6 million visitors to a park that previously drew around 2,000 people on a busy Saturday. The female dusky shark, approximately 3 metres long, was marooned in the canal since 18 September.
The shark's presence in the canal sparked a massive influx of visitors, with many coming to catch a glimpse of the endangered species. However, the large crowds posed a threat to the shark's well-being, prompting a group of YouTubers, known as jagyeongdan, to take turns protecting the animal at night.
The YouTubers, including Choi Won-jin and Na Tae-soo, livestreamed the waterway and kept watch over the shark to prevent visitors from disturbing it. They patrolled the waterfront at night, calling out anyone shining torches or lasers into the water, which could harm the shark.
Authorities had twice attempted to guide the shark back out to sea before finally succeeding on the third try, according to South Korea's oceans ministry. The successful guidance of the shark out of the canal marked a significant relief for the animal and its guardians.
## Why it matters The dusky shark is a species classed as endangered worldwide, making the protection of Bukang-i crucial for conservation efforts. The massive attention surrounding the shark's stranding also highlights the importance of responsible wildlife tourism and the need for measures to prevent disturbance to marine life.
The YouTubers' efforts to protect the shark have been widely appreciated, with some of their videos being watched hundreds of thousands of times. Their dedication to safeguarding the shark's well-being has set an example for community-led conservation initiatives.
The shark's departure from the canal marks the end of a remarkable month-long saga, which saw a community come together to protect an endangered species. As the shark is expected to move into open water, its guardians can take pride in having played a crucial role in ensuring its safe passage.
