The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the world’s largest fish species, known for its gentle nature and distinctive spotted pattern. Despite being a filter feeder that primarily consumes plankton, whale sharks have historically been targeted for their meat, fins, and oil. Over the past century, countries such as Taiwan, the Philippines, India, and China were among the top nations engaged in whale shark fishing, with large-scale harvests peaking in the late 20th century. In Taiwan, for example, hundreds were landed annually until a 2008 ban, while in the Philippines and India, whale sharks were caught for both local consumption and export. Due to significant population declines and international concern, most of these countries have since implemented strict protections or outright bans on whale shark fishing, and the species is now listed as Endangered by the IUCN, with international trade regulated under CITES. Today, whale shark-related industries in these regions have shifted towards ecotourism, emphasizing conservation over harvest.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Papua New Guinea | 48 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.