Beyond the Whale Shark release by Queen Marilou 999 - BLUEACATCH
FIA PNG has implemented a comprehensive Shark and Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) Species Strategic Plan focused on improving monitoring, strengthening scientific knowledge, reducing bycatch, and promoting sustainable fishing practices across the tuna fleet. The strategy includes:
Enhanced monitoring and data collection: Maintaining 100% observer coverage onboard vessels, implementing regular shark population and habitat monitoring. Collaborating with research and conservation organisations to share and analyze data, including Satellite shark tagging to improve understanding of shark movement, survival, and population dynamics.
Survival and bycatch assessments: Assessing shark populations and identifying hotspots and areas of incidental catch to support the development of effective strategies to reduce bycatch. Best-practice handling and release procedures will be promoted to improve the survival of accidentally caught sharks and other ETP species.
Observer and crew awareness: Training onboard observers to accurately identify shark species, record catch information, and report illegal or unsustainable practices. Awareness activities will also highlight the ecological importance of sharks and encourage collaboration among observers, fishers, and conservation partners.
Skipper and captain training: Providing skippers and vessel captains with training on shark conservation, relevant regulations, FAD design, and responsible fishing practices, including FIAO and ISSF training. Skippers will be encouraged to lead by example and ensure that appropriate handling and release techniques are followed onboard.
Together, these efforts demonstrate FIA PNG’s commitment to responsible tuna fisheries, shark conservation, and the long-term protection of ETP species. To learn more about our Mitigation strategy, please go to this link
Why Whale Sharks Face Risks in Tuna Fisheries
Whale sharks and tuna share similar ocean habitats. They often hunt the same small fish and
plankton. Tuna purse seiners caugth incidentally while searching for tuna.
Shared Feeding Zones: Fishing boats look for surface activity like birds and boiling water, which can indicate both tuna and whale sharks.
Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs): Industrial fleets use floating objects called FADs to attract tuna. Whale sharks also gather near FADs for shade and food.
Accidental Encirclement: Large nets deployed around these areas can trap whale sharks alongside tuna.
The Impact of Bycatch
When a whale shark gets trapped in fishing gear, the consequences are severe.
Physical Injury: Nets and heavy lines can scrape, cut, or suffocate the animals.
Stress and Exhaustion: Struggling inside a net exhausts the shark, reducing its chance of survival after release.
Mortality: Some whale sharks drown or die from injuries before crews can release them.
Good Practices to Mitigate the Impact
Fisheries can adopt specific rules and tools to keep whale sharks safe.
Spotting and Avoidance: Crews must scan the water before deploying nets. If a whale shark is visible near the ship or a FAD, fishers should delay setting the net.
Safe Release Procedures: Vessels should carry specialized tools, like large dip nets and cutting gear, to free tangled sharks safely without pulling them aboard.
Modifying Gear: Using non-entangling netting materials or adding escape panels helps animals break free on their own.
FAD Management: Reducing active FAD use or switching to biodegradable, non-entangling FAD designs prevents sharks from gathering near dangerous gear.
Observer Programs: Placing independent observers or electronic monitoring cameras on ships ensures crews follow safe release rules.
In this video done in May 2026, the Crew of F/V Queen Marilou 999 of Blucatch Fishing
Corporation applies best practices for releasing the Whale Shark while it is still in the water
without harm. Our crew is aware of the whale shark ecosystem's importance, and it is a
priority to implement FIA PNG ETP best practices to release them alive.
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