Carcass of a 10 feet whale shark found at Mahul with fins missing

A carcass of a 10 feet baby whale shark, which is a protected species with its fins dismembered was found along the Mahul creek on Monday. Pawan Sharma, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane and President of NGO RAWW said that they received the information on their helpline at 5.30pm from a local after which a volunteer of the NGO rushed to the spot. 

"It's strange that the Whale Shark was found at this location but what is even shocking is that its fins and tail are missing and we are demanding a detailed investigation," he said adding that they have also informed Mangrove Cell officials. 

N Vasudevan, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell stated that it seemed unlikely that the whale shark would have been washed ashore and there are chances that someone could have dumped it at the location after taking away the fins, which command a good price in the market. "Our staff will carry out detailed investigations in this matter," he stated.

The Whale Sharks are also called 'Gentle Giants' as they are extremely docile and plankton-eating and these are one of the most beautiful sharks and are endangered species as they are mass hunted. However, several programmes to protect them are being run across India. These are known to breed in Gujarat and Malvan in Maharashtra is where the second biggest congregation of these Whale Sharks are found.