A 6.91-meter male whale shark, locally known as butanding or tuki, was retrieved near the Port of Tubod, Lanao del Norte after local fishermen reported its sighting to the Philippine Coast Guard last September 5. Personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), together with local authorities, responded and identified the marine animal, which was estimated to weigh around two tons. Authorities said the whale shark had likely been dead for several days before drifting toward the shore due to sea currents and waves. As an endangered and protected species, the incident highlights the importance of immediately reporting stranded, injured, or dead marine wildlife to authorities to help protect marine life and the coastal ecosystem.
Below are the physical measurements recorded from the whale shark carcass:
- Species: Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
- Sex: Male — clasper length: 27 cm / 29 cm
- Total Length (TOT): 6.91 meters
- Head Length (HDL): 1.21 meters
- Mouth Width (MOW): 1.00 meter
- Estimated Weight: Approximately 2 tons
photos and info by Menro Tubod LanaodelNorte
