Whale Sharks Off The Menu In Chinese Province

September 10, 2007

Release from: Luke Eliot
The West Australian (Australia)

A Chinese province will consider adding whale sharks to a list of protected species after concerns were raised that the gentle marine giants were being caught and sold as a delicacy in restaurants, Premier Alan Carpenter said today.

In a media statement, Mr Carpenter said he had received a positive response from the Governor of the Zhejiang Province, Lu Zushan, to his concerns of whale shark fishing.

Mr Carpenter wrote to Governor Zushan after media reports emerged that a 6m whale shark had been caught by Zhejiang fisherman and was to be sold for up to $8 per kilogram.

“In my letter, I explained to Governor Lu that the whale shark is much-loved by Western Australians and is one of our best tourist attractions,” Mr Carpenter said.

“I also said that the whale shark is a protected species in Australia, and requested that the Governor encourage Zhejiang fishers to join us in protecting this endangered animal.

“Significantly, Governor Lu has agreed to consider including the whale shark in Zhejiang’s province’s list of protected species. I am very pleased with this outcome and will closely monitor the Governor’s progress on this matter.”

According to Mr Carpenter, Governor Lu implemented several measures to help protect whale sharks after receiving his letter, including an inquiry into the death of the whale shark off the shores of Zhejiang province, notification to fisherman to immediately release the whale shark and report to the local fishery administration, and increased efforts to educate locals about animal protection.

WA has had a sister-State relationship with the Zhejiang Province since 1987.