BACOLOD CITY – The remains of a mako shark washed ashore in Barangay Linaon, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Tuesday morning, Sept. 2.
Barangay Councilor Jose Edgar Tomarong posted photos and a video of the fish on social media.
Residents spotted the carcass
and called him for assistance, and brought the shark to shore. Tomarong said that fishermen estimated the fish to weigh around 200 kilos.He showed residents an online photo of a mako shark, and they agreed it resembled the one they found, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the species.
“It’s the first time people here have encountered this kind of species,” Tomarong said, noting that sharks are not usually seen in the area.
Based on the presence of fresh blood, they assumed the shark had recently died and decided to consume it.
Because fishermen have been unable to go out to the sea due to bad weather caused by the southwest monsoon or habagat, locals shared and ate the fish. So far, no one has reported any illness after consuming it, Tomarong said.
Tomarong said the shark’s body had no obvious signs of what caused its death, though it had some scratches. He speculated that these might have been caused by fishing equipment or other devices.
It was found near a beach resort but Tomarong assured the public that it was likely a coincidence and not cause for alarm. He added that the waters in the area are typically home to species like tuna and blue marlin.
According to Save Our Seas Foundation, the shortfin mako shark is considered the fastest species of shark in the world as they are built for speed. They are a highly valuable shark on the international market, and have declined rapidly due to overfishing.