Taiwan Cuts Its Whale Shark Quota In Half

January 1, 2007

Release from: Radio Taiwan International

Taiwan is cutting its whale shark fishing quota for 2007 in half. A whale shark is the largest shark and fish in the world and the concern of global conservationists. The agriculture council cut this year's quota to 30 to show its commitment to fishery conservation.

The council is also banning the use of darts and restricting catches to whale sharks bigger than 4 meters. In addition, the Fisheries Administration is offering a reward up to NT$1.74 million (roughly US$50,000) to catchers who offer up their live whale shark catch for research.

A whale shark can be up to 12 meters long and weigh up to 15 tons.