Hi
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/news/article_1284773.php/Cambodian_fishermen_land_whale_sharkMar 30, 2007, 8:07 GMT
Phnom Penh - Cambodian fishermen near the Thai border have accidentally snared and killed a 6.2-metre whale shark in their nets, authorities said Friday.
Fisherman Ann Samlan immediately reported the catch to authorities, said deputy chief of the northwestern Koh Kong province environment office, Pen Vannarith.
'Locals were very sad and regretted this mistake very much,' Vannarith said. 'They didn't eat it, but instead gave it to us hoping taxidermists can preserve the animal as an educational exhibit for a museum.'
He said villagers had previously reported a whale shark being washed up on a local beach in 1999.
The animal caught Thursday weighed 1,800 kilograms and was 3 metres around, with a mouth 75 centimetres in circumference, Vannarith said.
The plankton eating whale shark, or basking shark, is listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
