hey this came to my mind when i was reading the rope part for some reason i thought of the items getting eaten by the shark and the spawn area is bigger?
not die, just tired like you throw the hook shorter you hit slower and do less damage you lose thirst and food faster and you don't replenish as much water and food from eating.
How about special items (rare items that float on the water and are in barrels) like binocs, knives (and for low durability a knife sharpener) and if you get a throwing spear the hook could bring the shark to you