TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Fishermen released two whale sharks Wednesday after they became trapped in a fixed fishing net off the coast of Taitung County’s Taimali Township, per CNA.
The sharks, which wandered into a net operated by fisherman Chang Fu-chuan (張富泉), measured approximately 10 meters and 6 meters in length and weighed an estimated 10 tonnes and six tonnes, respectively. Chang said both were adult whale sharks.
Li Rong-feng (李榮豐), foreman of the fixed-net operation, said the sharks swam actively inside the enclosure and consumed large quantities of fish, creating challenges for the fishing crew.
The fishermen first hauled part of the catch onto their vessels before opening the net to allow the protected animals to return to the ocean. However, due to the sharks’ size, the release operation took more than an hour to complete.
Chang said fishermen are required to report encounters with protected marine species such as whale sharks to authorities, including the Taitung County Government, the Ocean Conservation Administration, the Coast Guard, and academic researchers.
After being notified, officials typically provide guidance on handling the animals, which may include attaching tracking tags before release, he said. According to Chang, sightings of whale sharks in fixed fishing nets have increased in recent years due to successful conservation measures and catch-and-release programs, per CNA.
He said local fishermen have cooperated with authorities in releasing protected species, but noted that such operations are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and can disrupt fishing activities. Chang called on the government to provide greater support for fishermen who assist in conservation efforts, including possible financial incentives or compensation for losses incurred during release operations.
