One of the most elusive sharks (for shark divers) is rapidly declining in the Philippines-according to recent reports.The whole story is sadly familiar, poor fishermen who have run out of traditional fish stocks now targeting this rare and beautiful animal for it's fins.
Surprisingly a recent illegal fishing bust at the Socorros, Mexico revealed a healthy population of Threshers at this site as well...caught in the nets.
BATANGAS CITY – The Philippines may soon lose its thresher sharks – listed as “vulnerable” species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature – if their slaughter for meat and fins continues unchecked.
“The extent of the fishery situation with regard to the thresher sharks in the Batangas Bay area is absolutely – in my honest, scientific opinion – not sustainable,” Dr. Simon Oliver, shark specialist and chair of the Thresher Shark Research and Conservation Group based in the United Kingdom, said.
1 comment:
I saw my first Thresher in Puerto Galaria Philippians - we were at 100 feet - Almost bumped into the big 10 footer - Came with in 5 feet - I was nervous - the shark never really payed me any mind - I think I am too big for them to eat - But i only weigh 165?? My air ran out fast - I was too excited - Biggest fish i ever saw!!!!
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