Taiwan Announces Whale Shark Fishing Ban
The Fisheries Agency under the Council of Agriculture in Taiwan today officially announced a ban on fishing, trade and sale of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) commencing in 2008.
Whale sharks are listed as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List and protected under Appendix II of CITES.
The announcement follows the implementation of a catch-reporting system that was implemented by Taiwan in 2001. The national quota for total allowable whale shark catch has been gradually reduced from 80 in 2002, 65 in 2005, 60 in 2006 and 30 in 2007.
This is definitely a positive step toward protecting these gentle giants!