A whale shark got trapped twice accidentaly in fishing nets off Binmaley, Pangasinan before local fishermen released the protected marine animal safely, authorities said.

The incident happened in the waters off Barangay Baybay Lopez where fishermen first discovered the whale shark entangled in their nets. After freeing it, they were surprised to catch the same animal again later in the same day.

A video taken by Rosemarie Abalos showed the massive whale shark, which she described as being as large as, or even larger than, a fishing boat.

“Kasing laki po ng bangka, parang mas malaki pa sa bangka.” Abalos said.

Jerry De Vera, a fisherman, said they immediately released the whale shark after each accidental catch because they knew it is protected by law.

“Unang lambat namin, unang kalukor, tapos iyong pangalawa, hapon na bumalik ulit. Kasi hindi namin alam na nandoon naman siya. Sapalaran namin, nandoon naman siya, pinakawalan ulit. Siya sumira sa net namin, kaso pinalubog namin kasi merong palitaw iyon, hanggang lumubog iyong palitaw saka sa ibabaw namin pinadaan,” De Vera said.

The Binmaley Municipal Agriculture Office commended the fishermen for freeing the whale shark but expressed concern after one fisherman was seen riding on the animal.

Officer-in-Charge Rogelyn Laban reminded fishermen to avoid climbing onto whale sharks and to be more careful when setting their nets.

“Iwasan sana natin iyong sumakay sa kanila, and sinabihan na namin mga mangingisda din sa atin na kapag maghuhulog sila ng kanilang mga lambat, siguraduhin na maayos,” Laban said.

Laban explained that whale sharks often swim close to shore when there are plenty of small fish and plankton, their main food source. She also said fishermen should avoid casting their nets again in areas where a whale shark has already been spotted.

“Umaga nakuha na siya, iyong unang post. And then noong hapon, ganoon ulit. So, sana hindi na sila naghulog ulit ng kanilang lambat. Since andoon pa siya, siguro kumakain pa siya doon sa area na iyon. So, sana hindi na sila naghulog ulit sa area na iyon,” Laban said.

The fishermen said they understand and respect the advice from local authorities to help protect the endangered species while continuing their livelihood.