Responsible Fishing in Action: Seaworth Holding Vessel Safely Releases Endangered Whale Shark
In January this year, Viva Wantwant 707, a fishing vessel under Seaworth Holding Co., Ltd., safely released an endangered whale shark that had inadvertently entered its fishing net. The crew followed standard operating procedures and recorded the entire release on video, demonstrating the Group’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity and practicing responsible fishing.
As a valued member of the Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG), the companies within Seaworth Holding have long implemented a Responsible Sourcing Policy, with ecological sustainability as a core corporate pillar. To minimize the environmental impact of fishing operations, the Group requires all crew members to undertake rigorous refresher training and pre-departure briefings before each departure from Taiwan. These sessions reinforce safe handling and release practices for endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species.
Whale sharks are the world’s largest living fish, with an average length of approximately 9.7 meters and a weight of up to nine metric tons, according to the figures cited in the original release. Currently classified as Endangered, they play an important role in marine ecosystems and contribute to the balance of marine food webs and ecosystem health. The successful release was a meaningful achievement for the crew and further demonstrated the Group’s determination to put its sustainability policies into practice.
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Footage recorded onboard shows the crew following the Group’s marine conservation guidelines by prioritizing the release of the whale shark directly from the net while it remained in the water. This approach helps minimize handling stress and improve its chances of survival following release.
Seaworth Holding is committed to advancing sustainable fisheries while promoting respect for human rights and ocean sustainability. The Group believes that responsible practices and efforts to reduce impacts on marine ecosystems can help people and marine life coexist in a healthy environment. This represents a long-term commitment to marine resources and to preserving the ocean for future generations. The recorded whale shark release reflects the Group’s guiding principle of “Respect for the Ocean” in action.
(Publication date : 2026/08/26)
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