TACLOBAN CITY — A five-meter-male megamouth shark carcass was found along the shoreline in Brgy. San Roque, Tolosa, Leyte, Wednesday (December 29).
The dead fish was found by a Fishery Law Enforcement Team (FLET) during his daily inspection in the area around 5:30 a.m.
Based on the markings seen at the dorsal and ventral part of its body, it was believed to have been entangled with a fishing net before it was washed ashore.
The bad weather condition causing torrential rain and huge waves is also suspected to be one of its probable causes of stranding.
The Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) Chapter 8, led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 8, was tapped by the AT-fisheries of Tolosa, Leyte for investigation and appropriate disposal of the carcass.
BFAR-8 encourages netizens to directly report similar sightings and stranding to their Municipal Agriculture’s Office (MAO) or call the BFAR 8 hotline 09564329955 for immediate action.