Megamouth Shark #28

January 30, 2005

Release from: Elson T. Elizaga


MEGAMOUTH 25 WAS CAUGHT IN THE NET of Sofronio Casañares in Macajalar Bay, Philippines, around 3 am on January 30, 2005. The fish dragged Casañares' paddle-driven banca for about an hour, until it stopped, apparently exhausted.

Casañares called another fisherman on a pumpboat to help him bring the fish to the shore of barangay Gusa, near the estuary of Bigaan River and Villa Ernesto Subdivision, Phase II.

Initial reports indicate that Casañares sliced off the fins because he was upset that the fish had destroyed his net. Casañares hasn't been interviewed by this writer, however.

Radio station Bombo Radyo reported the find early morning. Officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), City Agriculture Office (CAO) and several journalists came and made documentation. BFAR and CAO officials decided to bury the fish at the bank of the estuary, following Fisheries Administrative Order 208, which provides that the carcass of an endangered marine animal should be buried after documentation.

BFAR and CAO officials, however, agreed with this writer, who suggested that the animal be first dissected in order to find eggs or embryos, which could be preserved for scientific study. A butcher performed the dissection, with barangay councilor Prospero Abrio present as witness.

Megamouth #28 - at the beach
© Elson T. Elizaga

Megamouth #28- healed wound?
© Elson T. Elizaga

Megamouth #28 - pushing the fish to the river bank
© Elson T. Elizaga

Megamouth #28 - preparing for dissection
© Elson T. Elizaga

Megamouth #28 - preparing for dissection
© Elson T. Elizaga

Megamouth #28 - dissection
© Elson T. Elizaga

Megamouth #28
Newspaper photograph