Divers in Batangas rescue coral catshark entangled in fishing line

A coral catshark entangled in a fishing line in the waters of Tingloy, Batangas, was rescued by a group of divers.

According to Kuya Kim Atienza's report on “24 Oras,” scuba instructor Ronnie Corpuz was diving in Tingloy when he discovered a 100-meter kitang or fishing line that had caught some fish, as well as a coral catshark. 

“Noong nakita namin ‘yung catshark, naawa kami. Gusto naming pakawalan. We tried to get the pliers pero walang pliers ‘yung aming boatman. We tried our best na matanggal ‘yung hook, kaya lang hindi kaya,” he shared.

Per Ronnie, his companion decided to cut the fishing line upon seeing that the catshark was already in a weakened state. After several attempts, they eventually succeeded in saving the catshark.

“Buti at napakawalan din namin kaagad. Kasi kung hindi, baka mamatay din ‘yon, sayang,” Ronnie said.

The coral catshark, scientific name Atelomycterus marmoratus, is smaller compared to other sharks, with eyes that resemble a cat’s eyes. 

“‘Yung ating average size na usually nakikita natin ay nasa 47 to 55 centimeters lang. ‘Yung mga maximum size hanggang 70 centimeters,” said Glenville Castrence, a faculty member of the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Services at Mindanao State University-General Santos. 

Per the report, coral catsharks are bottom dwellers and nocturnal, feeding on fish, crab, shrimp, and squid. Despite being sharks, coral catsharks are not a threat to humans.

“Wala pa tayong nakitaan na mga incident na naging aggressive ang mga ganitong klaseng sharks kahit na karamihan sa mga ito ay ini-exploit para sa aquarium trade,” he added. 

Due to exploitation and the destruction of their natural habitat, coral catsharks are now classified as Near Threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News