"Fishing Method Currently Used"

Fisherman catches four sharks simultaneously in Sakhalin waters

, and ASMedia

2025 August 28 . 10:57 PM

2 min read

"Fishing Method Currently Used"

In the waters off the coast of Sakhalin Island, a shift in marine ecology is causing concern for both fishermen and swimmers. Abnormal heat conditions in the Far East have contributed to increased interactions between shark populations and fishermen, as warmer waters can alter shark distribution and behavior.

This ecological context indicates that heat anomalies likely affect marine species distribution and increase overlap with fishing activities, raising the risk of injuries or fatalities among such animals due to fishing gear. Western gray whales, a species at "very high risk" of entanglement in coastal salmon nets near Sakhalin, provide a striking example of this complex marine ecosystem under strain.

While direct data specifically on sharks in Sakhalin affected by heat conditions is currently limited, the general principles of how temperature shifts influence shark behavior and fisheries interactions suggest that these ecological shifts likely lead to more frequent and problematic interactions between sharks and fishermen around Sakhalin, exacerbated by warmer temperatures and overlapping habitats with fishing activities.

Swimming in deep water or near areas with sudden depth changes should be avoided, especially in the evening or at dusk, due to increased predator activity. Unusually warm waters in Primorye have led to the appearance of large, poisonous box jellyfish, another potential hazard for swimmers. The National Scientific Center of Marine Biology advises against entering the water with wounds or blood on the body to minimise the risk of shark attacks.

Fishermen in the area have reported a decrease in their catch recently, which could be attributed to the increased presence of sharks competing for fish. Sharks have been observed snatching fish from fishing lines, and in one specific incident, a shark bit off a piece of a caught tuna. It's not recommended to urinate in the water, as it can attract unwanted marine life, including sharks.

It's important to note that while these changes in marine ecology pose a challenge, they also highlight the need for continued research and conservation efforts to protect both marine life and human safety in the region.