By Leilanie G. Adriano
January 13, 2015
Laoag
City—A whale shark [Rhincodon typhus] locally known as “butanding” was released by
fishermen on Monday, Jan. 12 after it
was trapped in a fish net along the coastal Barangay Navotas B in this city.
Provincial Fishery regulatory
officer Arthur Valente confirmed this after fisher folk reported that a butanding
was stranded in the area.
According to Mr. Valente, although
some of them attempted to butcher the friendly shark most of them opted to
release it, knowing its vital role in the ecosystem.
Sightings of the slow-moving
and gentle whale sharks are frequent in Ilocos Norte waters especially during
anchovy season.
“I am delighted that our
efforts on massive information and education drive are paying off. Though there
are still a few who are not convince about our advocacy, I am happy that more
and more people within our reach listen to us and take a pro-active role to
save a helpless sea creature,” he said.
Several fishermen spotted the
butanding trapped in their fishing nets at 8 am on Jan. 12.
“The area is open and a
feeding ground of anchovies. The shark may have been searching for food when he
was trapped,” Mr. Valente added.
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