The whale shark has been added to the Taiwan’s list of protected species, the Ocean Affairs Council announced.
Offenders could now face fines and imprisonment for harvesting the now protected species, along with the giant oceanic manta ray and the reef manta ray.
The new law makes the disturbance, abuse, slaughter or capture of any of the three species punishable by up to five years in prison, and a fine of between approximately $10,000 and $50,000 the council said.
Whale sharks have been sighted in waters near the Port of Hualien looking for food. The capture of the three species was previously prohibited by stipulations in 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.