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A
dramatic photograph shows the shark being released
from the nets. Photo WTI |
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On March
12th fisherman Parbatlala Fulbaria was surprised to find a
whale shark entangled in his fishing net in one of his
daily fishing trips about 50km south of the Sutrapada
coast, Gujarat, India. His fishing boat looked diminutive
in contrast to the whale shark which was estimated to be
45 feet long (13 metres).
The
fisherman communicated with the local forest office about
the problem and without delay, the Regional Forest Officer
was asked to conduct the rescue and release operation.
Three officers were joined by 25 colorfully clad fishermen
volunteers to conduct the rescue operation from two other
fishing boats. It took the team about 4 hours to release
the shark from the warped knots of the net.
Fulbaria
had to cut loose his net (valued at Rs. 40,000 or US$
895) to release the entangled shark but he was very
up-beat about his loss. “I received great satisfaction
in releasing the fish and was not worried about my damaged
fishing net” he exclaimed as the supporters joined him
to appreciate his noble gesture.
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shark is gradually freed from the nets.
Photo WTI |
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The
sacrifice made by the fisherman showed his determination
to protect this magnificent species even though it could
keep him temporarily out of work. Last year in December,
in a similar incident, another whale shark was released by
the fishermen off the Sutrapada coasts.
Dhiresh
Joshi of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), who is
managing the Whale Shark Campaign in Gujarat, said that
the mood among the fishermen here is very encouraging and
they are concerned for conservation of this species. They
are aware of its endangered status and are keen to help.
WTI has
been running this campaign for the past three years in
Gujarat and has covered all the major coastal towns and
fishing communities to create awareness about this
world’s largest fish. The recent initiatives by the
fishing community would go a long way ensuring protection
and long-term conservation of the species in Gujarat.
Article by
Wildlife Trust India.
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