A whale shark got stuck on the sand at Varkala Beach in Kerala, India, but people came together to help the whale return to the sea.
What happened?
The whale shark washed ashore in early December, the Free Press Journal reported. It is suspected that it became tangled in a fishing net and drifted too close to the beach until it became trapped in shallow water.
After more than three hours of effort, dozens of people, including locals, tourists, fishermen and beachgoers, worked together to push the animal into the water. Their efforts helped the shark return to the water so it could breathe. But the waves kept pushing it back, trapping it in shallow water.
Thankfully, two rescue boats arrived and tied a rope to the shark’s tail and carefully towed the shark to open water. The rescue mission was a success, thanks to the help of the heroes.
Many people suffered cuts and scrapes on their hands, arms and legs due to the shark’s rough, sandpaper-like skin. However, that didn’t stop them from saving the gentle fish.
People on social media praised the people’s bravery in multiple posts.
According to “FPJ”, on an Instagram video, someone commented: “Unbelievable! So proud of everyone who reached out. Real heroes.”
Why do sharks become stranded?
Whale sharks are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. These sharks are among the gentlest and most docile in the ocean and are often threatened by human activities, especially irresponsible fishing.
Fishing nets are suspected to have played a role in the animal’s stranding, but this could be caused by a number of factors.
Increased human activity or development in and around the ocean can destroy habitats and push marine animals into new areas. This drives prey closer to shore, forcing predators such as whale sharks to hunt in shallower waters.
How to prevent marine animal strandings?
It’s great that these people were able to save this whale shark. But safer fishing practices and ocean conservation efforts will help prevent future strandings.
It is important for fishermen to use appropriate nets, fish only in designated areas and always retrieve their nets. Leaving fishing nets behind harms fish and causes microplastic pollution in the water.
Supporting conservation policies that protect the ocean can prevent habitat destruction so animals don’t have to wander closer to shore. To ensure stranded animals are saved, you can also call for more effective coastal rescue protocols so the next stranded shark doesn’t have to struggle for hours on end or rely on the goodwill of civilians.
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