In High Demand
Whale Sharks are in high demand for their fins and meat. When fishermen hunt for Whale Shark they cut off the fins then throw the remaining part of the Whale Shark into the ocean and the Whale Shark either sinks to the bottom of the ocean and suffocates or other predators eat the Whale Shark.
However in some countries cutting the fins off then throwing the Whale Shark back into the water is banned so the hunters have to bring the whole shark back to port and then cut off the fins. Whale Shark fins get sold to make shark fin soup in restaurants, and the Whale Shark meat gets sold for food.
However in some countries cutting the fins off then throwing the Whale Shark back into the water is banned so the hunters have to bring the whole shark back to port and then cut off the fins. Whale Shark fins get sold to make shark fin soup in restaurants, and the Whale Shark meat gets sold for food.
Unintentional Fishing
Whale Sharks are also in danger of being unintentionally caught in fishing nets and being hurt or killed by other fishing gears. One reason why the Whale Sharks get caught in fishing nets unintentionally is because the Whale Sharks get attracted to the fish that are being caught.