Thiruvananthapuram: Fishermen from Shanghumugham released the whale shark that they caught by accident and released it back into the sea. The size of the largest whale shark known to man is 18.8 meters. They are also classified as an endangered animal species like elephants and tigers.
Usually, when a whale shark is caught in such a way, it ends up being cooked and eaten. However, this time the fishermen sent the fish back in an effort that lasted several hours.
The State Chief Wildlife Warden, Surendrakumar, appreciated the gesture of the fishermen.
Wildlife Trust of India CEO, Vivek Menon, announced that the trust will reward the fishermen with Rs 10,000 for their kind action.
The head of policy and marine department of the trust, Sajan John, stated that this is the third time a whale shark has been saved and released back into the sea in Kerala. Similar incidents happened in Kozhikode and Ponnani in the past.
The trust, along with Mathrubhumi Seed initiative, had conducted awareness classes among children to rescue whale sharks.
