Shallow areas in bodies of water where the bottom is near the surface, creating navigation hazards. Also refers to large schools of fish swimming together.
From Old English scolu meaning 'shallow', related to German seicht. The meaning evolved to include both underwater hazards and fish groups, as both involve numerous things gathered closely together in water environments.
Shoals are simultaneously a sailor's nightmare and a fisherman's dream - the same shallow waters that have wrecked countless ships also create perfect feeding grounds where fish congregate, making them both treasure and trap!
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