Dusky Shark Stranded in Busan Canal Sparks Nationwide Rescue Effort

In mid‑September, a female dusky shark was found trapped in a shallow concrete canal beside Busan’s busy port. Marine biologist Kim Hyun‑woo and the National Institute of Fisheries Science attempted to guide the animal back to sea, first using an electrical deterrent that proved ineffective. After five hours, officials switched tactics and ultimately contained the shark in a net‑cage on 2 October. The incident drew crowds, viral media coverage, and even prompted local authorities to use the shark as a mascot while petitioning for a new baseball stadium. The event highlighted the challenges of rescuing large sharks in urban waterways and the public’s fascination with marine wildlife.