7-Meter Whale Shark Trapped in Fixed Net off Gueishan Island; Fisherman Releases It, Earning Praise

(Central News Agency, Yilan County, June 3) A 7-meter-long protected whale shark was trapped in a fixed fishing net off Gueishan Island in the waters of Toucheng, Yilan, yesterday. A fisherman noticed the animal and guided it back to the open sea for release. The video of the release was later posted on Facebook, where netizens praised the fisherman as a role model.

According to the fisherman, surnamed Cheng, the whale shark that entered the fixed net was about 7 meters long and weighed about 4 tons, showing strong vitality. It was suspected to have swum into the fixed net, located about 1 nautical mile from the shore, while following currents in search of food. Faced with the visit of a protected species, the fisherman then launched a rescue, carefully tying a rope around its tail and using the boat's power to slowly guide it out of the fixed net area.

To ensure a successful release, the fisherman mentioned that the boat towed the whale shark an additional 1 nautical mile out to sea. Only after confirming sufficient water depth and distance from the nets was the rope untied, allowing the whale shark to return to the ocean.

The Agriculture Department of Yilan County Government pointed out that whale sharks have been banned from capture nationwide in Taiwan since 2008 and were listed as marine protected wild animals in 2020. If fishermen accidentally catch one, they must immediately report it and release it on the spot. Violators face up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of NT$200,000 to NT$1,000,000.

The department stated that accidental catches of whale sharks mostly occur in fixed-net fisheries and are seasonal. It called on fishermen and the public to value the marine ecosystem and ensure the sustainable survival of rare marine life. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) June 3, 2023