Cambodian fishermen land whale shark

Cambodian fishermen land whale shark
Posted on : 2007-03-30 | Author : DPA
News Category : Environment


Phnom Penh- Cambodian fishermen near the Thai border have accidentally
snared and killed a 6.2-metre whale shark in their nets, authorities
said Friday. Fisherman Ann Samlan immediately reported the catch to
authorities, said deputy chief of the northwestern Koh Kong province
environment office, Pen Vannarith.

"Locals were very sad and regretted this mistake very much," Vannarith
said. "They didn't eat it, but instead gave it to us hoping
taxidermists can preserve the animal as an educational exhibit for a
museum."

He said villagers had previously reported a whale shark being washed
up on a local beach in 1999.

The animal caught Thursday weighed 1,800 kilograms and was 3 metres
around, with a mouth 75 centimetres in circumference, Vannarith said.

The plankton eating whale shark, or basking shark, is listed as
"vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources (IUCN).

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