Two Whale Sharks Trapped in Taimali Fixed Net; Fishermen Release Them Back to Sea

(Central News Agency reporter Lu Tai-cheng, Taitung County, June 4) Two adult whale sharks were trapped in a fixed fishing net off the coast of Taimali, Taitung, on June 3. The fishermen hauled in their catch and then opened the net to help the two whale sharks return to the sea. The fishermen stated that whale shark numbers have increased in recent years due to conservation efforts and hope the government will provide rewards for fishermen who assist in releasing them.

Chang Fu-chuan, an operator of the Sanhe fixed fishing net in the Taimali waters of Taitung's South-Link area, told media on the 4th that two whale sharks (also known as 'tofu sharks') entered the fixed net on the 3rd. One was about 10 meters long and weighed about 10 metric tons; the other was 6 meters long and weighed about 6 metric tons. Both were adult sharks.

Li Rong-feng, the head of the Sanhe fixed net team, said the two whale sharks were full of energy and swimming leisurely in the net, but they were a nuisance to the fishermen as they would eat some of the catch. The fishermen first hauled the catch onto the boat, then opened an exit in the net to help the whale sharks return to the sea. However, due to their large size, it took over an hour to free both sharks.

Chang Fu-chuan explained that when protected species are caught in the fixed net, the standard procedure is to first notify relevant authorities such as the Taitung County Government, the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), and academic institutions. They then follow instructions, which may include tagging, and then release the animal.

He said that due to successful conservation and release efforts, incidents of whale sharks entering fixed nets have increased in recent years. Fishermen cooperate with the instructions of the relevant authorities, but assisting with releases is labor-intensive and the catch is also affected by the whale sharks. Therefore, he hopes the government can provide 'a little reward or encouragement' to fishermen who cooperate with the releases. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150604