A whale shark, locally known as “butanding” or “tuki”, that was feeding on shrimps in the territorial waters of Brgy. Mantaangan in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, for weeks, was found dead yesterday.

The whale shark, estimated at seven meters long and about three tons in weight, had injuries on its left fins and tail, believed caused by fishing nets, where the sea creature had been trapped, Fishery Officer Arsenio Palma said.

The sea creature’s mouth is about 53 inches wide. It also feeds on plankton and krill.

Allan Villaruz, who accompanied Palma to the EB Magalona police to check on the whale shark, said the sea creature had been sighted in the territorial waters of Barangay Mantaangan, feeding on shrimps before it was found dead yesterday by fishermen at Purok Tinapok, Barangay Batea, in the town.

Sightings of the whale shark, although irregular, were also reported in the coastal areas of Cauayan and Sipalay City when rain occurs.

Palma said there is a ban against capturing whale sharks, an endangered species.

The whale shark is expected to be buried today, as es already emitting foul odor. It took more than 20 men to bring it ashore, Villaruz said. *GPB

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