Dead mako shark found in Cauayan

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A large dead fish, believed to be a mako shark, was discovered near the shore of Barangay Linaon in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday morning.

Barangay Kagawad Jose Edgar Tomarong shared images and a video of the shark on social media.

According to Tomarong, a local initially mistook the shark for driftwood, but upon closer inspection and with others gathering nearby, it became clear it was a dead shark.

Residents brought the animal to shore and called for Tomarong’s assistance.

Local fishermen estimated the fish weighed around 200 kilograms.

There were no clear signs of what caused the shark’s death, though some scratches were found on its body, possibly from fishing gear or marine equipment, Tomarong said.

Though the species has not been officially confirmed by authorities, Tomarong showed residents an online image of a mako shark, which they agreed looked similar to the one found.

“It’s the first time we’ve seen such species like this in our area,” Tomarong said, noting that such sightings are rare.

Fresh blood suggested the shark had died recently.

With bad weather caused by the southwest monsoon or habagat preventing fishing activity, locals decided to share and consume the shark.

As of now, no health issues have been reported from eating the meat, Tomarong said.

Tomarong added that the incident appears to be isolated, as the waters in the area are more commonly home to tuna and blue marlin.

According to the Save Our Seas Foundation, the shortfin mako shark is known as the fastest shark species in the world and is highly valued in the international market.

Its population has declined sharply due to overfishing.