Endangered whale sharks wash ashore dead near Myeik
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Hsu/Saw(NP News)-Nov23
According to locals, three whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) were discovered dead on Saing Taung Beach near Kyauktwin Village, Launglon Township. The specimens, known locally as "Wazi Pyauk," all washed ashore within a single day earlier this week.
Reports circulating on social media claim the whale sharks died after being caught unintentionally in surrounding nets by a fishing boat. The crew allegedly left the trapped animals on the shore instead of returning them to the sea, which resulted in their deaths.
Two of the whale sharks were over 10 feet long, and the third measured around 28 feet.
“One main difficulty is that these animals live in vast, open seas. When a vessel approaches, they might get hit. We will have to examine many factors. To determine the cause, we need to examine external injuries and internal conditions. It’s not easy to say right away,” said a marine wildlife conservationist.
Although they are the world's largest species of shark, whale sharks are completely harmless to humans and often approach coastal areas while feeding.
While whale sharks generally inhabit warm waters, preferring temperatures above 21° C, this event is unprecedented in Myanmar's recorded history, as no previous case involved the death of three whale sharks at once.
“We cannot say for certain what caused their deaths. They might have been weakened and washed ashore alive before dying, or they could have been placed on the shore after they had already died. The first scenario is more likely. For some reason, they may have stranded themselves, and the fishermen did not return them to the water in time,” said another wildlife specIalist.
Whale sharks typically grow between 5 meters (16 feet) and 12 meters (40 feet) in length and weigh between 20,000 and 50,000 pounds. Global populations are estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
As an endangered species, the whale shark is legally protected; capturing, killing, or trading the animal is strictly prohibited in Myanmar, as well as in neighboring countries and Western nations. –