Another ‘butanding’ released in Batangas

BATANGAS, Philippines – Another juvenile whale shark, locally known as butanding, that had been stranded at the pier of the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) in Mabini town here was set free by government workers and civilian volunteers.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Asis Perez said the whale shark entered the pier last Thursday and was guided back to the open sea at around 3 p.m. yesterday.  

Perez said the butanding, which measured seven meters, has been ascertained to be in good condition.

Relly Garcia, BFAR team leader, said the whale shark could have been trapped at the pier while feeding in the area.  He said there is a soya factory nearby.

Like the first butanding that was freed last Thursday after being stranded at the pier since July 30, the whale shark has some scratches in the body that were apparently caused by shells and oysters at the foundation of the pier. 

Officials said the PNOC management placed a net around the pier to prevent more butanding from entering.

The World Wildlife Fund said about 73 million sharks are killed every year and more than 180 shark species were considered threatened in 2010, compared to only 15 in 1996.

Many are slain for their fins, considered by the Chinese to be a delicacy and cost hundreds of dollars per kilo.