Additional Protection for Whale shark and Rays in Taiwan

A whale shark swims past a whale-watching boat off the coast of Hualien County

On Tuesday, May 5, 2020 , the whale shark, giant oceanic manta ray and the reef manta ray were added to Taiwan's list of protected species, making the disturbance, abuse, slaughter or capture of any of the three species punishable by up to five years in prison, and a fine of NT$300,000 to NT$1.5 million (US$10,033 to US$50,164). While the capture of the three species has long been prohibited by the Fisheries Act, which require fishers to return the animals to the sea if accidentally caught, alive or dead, changes were made to enhance protection of the species by increasing the severity of punishments for offenders, said Hualien County Bureau of Agriculture Director Lo Wen-lung.