Guidelines for the Safe Release of Encircled Animals, including Whale Sharks
Informal Small Group 3 (ISG3) meeting was held during the WCPFC SC8 in Busan, Korea on 8 August 2012. Fourteen (14) participants participated in the meeting and discussed the development of guideline for the safe release of encircled animals, including whale sharks. ISG3 reached the conclusion that it is currently not possible to determine the "best" practical method for the safe release of encircled animals. Additionally, there have been no scientific investigations as to the survival of whale sharks that have been caught or entangled in purse seines. Therefore, ISC3 recommended further research primarily to investigate the survival of encircled animals associated with various release techniques. The document lists 'general principles' and 'possible release methods'.