Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest type of shark, and indeed the largest of any fishes alive today.
They can be found in all the tropical oceans of the world but are rarely sighted, which makes this discovery and rescue all the more incredible!
Recently, a team of researchers from the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) in Bintawa, Kuching, released a whale shark while conducting a study in the waters of Sarawak.
The incident allegedly happened last Wednesday (August 10, 2022) when the 10-meters long creature entered the researchers’ nets while conducting a Tuna FSI study at a location about 50 nautical miles from Santubong, Sarawak.
A video from the incident has also gone viral on social media sites. It shows two men in the water cutting the net using a knife.
At one point, one of the men even went above the whale shark, as if it was sitting on its back, to reach areas of the net he otherwise would not have been able to get to if he was still in the waters.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), “whale sharks are highly valued on international markets.”
“Demand for their meat, fins, and oil remains a threat to the species, particularly by unregulated fisheries.”
Kudos to the FRI team for prioritising the whale shark’s survival!
Netizens are also generous with their praise for the team of researchers.
“Praise be to God. There are still good people.”
“Thankfully, there are still those who are concerned.”
Watch the full video below:
Alhamdulillah.. Tgh operasi narit pukat, ikan yu paus (????????? ?????) tok termasuk sekali dlm pukat. Syukur berjaya dpt dilepaskan dgn baik ? #research #verifikasifsituna2022 #lautdalam #sf13366 #kuchingsarawak
Posted by Mohammad Hafiz Hassan on Thursday, August 11, 2022
Imagine seeing this gentle giant up close, what a spectacular event that was!
Also read: Food Influencer From China Grills Shark Tail For Content, Gets Arrested By Authorities
