Necropsy conducted on megamouth shark in Albay

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources this week conducted a necropsy on the megamouth shark that died in Albay late last month.

BFAR officials said this aimed to determine what caused the shark's death, GMA Bicol reported.

Veterinarians said the megamouth shark is worth studying as it is rare, and could contribute greatly to biodiversity researches.

The megamouth shark was found at Barangay Marigondon in Pio Duran late last January. It is to be preserved at the Albay provincial government after the necropsy.


^{Several veterinarians from Philippines and other countries prepare to conduct a necropsy on Megamouth shark at Albay Parks and Wildlife on February 11. The rare mammal was accidentally caught in a fisherman's net in Baranay Marigondon, Pioduran Albay. Governor Joey Salceda said, the shark will be preserved in a huge aquarium for further research in the future.  Photo by  Michael B. Jaucian}

Last month, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Regional Emergency Stranding Response Team head Nonie Enolva said the megamouth shark is considered the 66th documented in the world and 15th in the Philippines.

Megamouth shark is also considered an endangered species. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News