World’s largest fish trapped in Visakhapatnam’s net went back to sea
Highlight
- Some local fishermen have caught AP. I rescued a shark caught in a fishing net at Tantadi beach
- The shark was later released back into the sea by forest department officials, fishermen and conservationists.
- Shark photos now being shared with Maldives Whale Shark Research Program for identification
District Forest Officer (DFO) Anant Shankar said some local fishermen rescued a shark caught in a fishing net at Tantadi beach in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam.
The shark was later released back into the sea by forest department officials, fishermen and wildlife conservationists, the DFO said.
“It’s a whale shark, the biggest fish in the world. They’re endangered,” he said.
“The DFO’s instructions were simple – guide the whale sharks to safety, without any effort or expense. What happened was effort, both physical and mental, with tremendous coordination and cooperation by the forest department, fishermen and wildlife conservationists, To guide. This 2 ton fish is alive back in the sea. And it was a success. The whale shark successfully swam back into the depths of the ocean,” he added.
“Photos of the shark are now being shared with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program for identification. This will help us better understand the movements and territories of these gentle giants. Additionally, fishermen are being advised and Requests are being made to approach the Forest Department for rescue. And direct safe release in such an event, as in such operations, is of the essence. Time is of the essence. Compensation will be given to the fishermen in case of any damage to their fishing nets,” he said.
(with ANI inputs)
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