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Endangered Whale Shark Found Dead on Beach
19 Dec
Summary
- A 15-foot whale shark weighing three tonnes washed ashore dead.
- Fishermen found the juvenile shark alive, attempting to return it to sea.
- The endangered species faces threats from fishing nets and ship collisions.
A 15-foot whale shark, estimated to weigh three tonnes, was found deceased on Yarada Beach. Forest officials conducted a post-mortem examination on the juvenile carcass. Local fishermen had discovered the shark alive on the shore and attempted to return it to the sea, but their efforts were in vain.
This incident echoes a similar finding in February 2022, when another whale shark washed ashore on Rushikonda Beach. Experts suggest that whale sharks, known for their docile nature and poor hearing, are vulnerable to becoming entangled in fishing nets or colliding with ships during their migrations.
Listed as endangered by the IUCN, whale shark populations have declined significantly due to human activities. These gentle giants inhabit tropical oceans and are susceptible to various threats that impede their ability to escape once trapped.
