Kerala Fishermen Release Endangered Whale Shark Caught In Net Back Into The Sea, Win Hearts
A group of fishermen from Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, have released an endangered whale shark, that was accidentally caught in their fishing net, back into the sea.
The fishermen from Kerala have made a name for themselves with their compassion and care for their fellow men and women, by coming to their rescue during the floods.
Now, in yet another exemplary gesture, a group of fishermen from Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, have released an endangered whale shark, that was accidentally caught in their fishing net, back into the sea.
Wildlife Trust of India
The incident happened in Shanghumugham on Friday when the fishermen were pulling a fishing net back to the shore.
As the net was being pulled ashore, someone realised that what they have netted is not an ordinary catch.
Timely rescue
They were quick to identify the catch from its distinct markings as a Whale shark, the largest shark species, which is also endangered.
Wildlife Trust of India
The fishermen then decided to free the whale shark from the net and release it back to the sea before it was too late.
Over 60 fishermen helped in rescue
It took around 60 fishermen to quickly rescue and push the juvenile whale shark back into the water.
Though the whale shark initially got stuck in the shallow waters, with the help of the fishermen, it managed to make its way out.
Wildlife Trust of India
As the news of their efforts spread, the fishermen were congratulated by State Chief Wildlife Warden, Surendrakumar, for their work.
The Wildlife Trust of India, which is involved in a project for the conservation of whale sharks has also announced a reward of Rs 10,000 to the fishermen.
Beginning the morning with good news from the #Kerala. A #whaleshark caught in the nets was freed by fishers. Third instance in this state following the start of @wti_org_india project here. I have announced a special award for them. pic.twitter.com/dH2Q45ZlrQ
¡ª Vivek Menon (@vivek4wild) December 5, 2020
According to Vivek Menon, the CEO of WTI, this was the third such rescue of whale sharks in Kerala since the conservation project began.
While the one that was rescued in Kerala was a juvenile they can grow well up to 18 meters and is listed as endangered by IUCN.
Bobins Abraham is the Assistant News Editor at Indiatimes. He has more than twelve years of experience in TV and digital journalism. An avid student of history and geopolitics, he is a conservationist and environmentalist at heart. He writes on environment, sustainability, human-animal conflict and more.
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