Butanding caught, released off Ilocos Sur

Fishermen caught a large butanding, or whale shark, off Barangay Camindoroan in San Juan town in Ilocos Sur province.

 

The whale shark appeared strong and measured six meters long and weighed about 1.2 tons, GMA Ilocos' Brigette Mayor reported Monday. An initial examination showed no sign of external injuries.

 

Provincial fishery regulatory officers said the whale shark may have lost its way due to changing weather conditions.

 

The local Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and residents helped push the whale shark back to the water. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News