Dead whale shark found off Florida's coast

The picture shown, which was featured in today's edition of the Sun-Sentinel, is that of a 30-foot dead whale shark that was found two miles off Lantana beach today.

The finding of this creature, already in state of decomposition, near the Boca Inlet is considered as rare in Florida waters.

Researchers are considering studying the body in hopes of discovering the animal's cause of death, particularly because under Florida law, catching or possessing a whale shark is prohibited.

The whale shark is the largest of living fishes. But don't be fooled by its name, after all, the "whale shark" is not a whale at all. It's called a whale shark simply because it's a shark as large as a whale. The whale shark is also a gentle, slow-moving creature that is a favorite of snorkelers and scuba divers in many countries around the world.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) , also known as the World Conservation Union, lists the whale shark as a vulnerable species in what is known as th IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

According to the IUCN, whale shark populations have been depleted by harpoon fisheries in several countries. The species has also suffered from incidental capture by other fisheries and the fact that it is highly valued in international trade, which makes the whale shark vulnerable to exploitation.

The Sun-Sentinel's article Whale shark’s carcass found off Boca Inlet of little value, researchers say, talks about some experts' belief that foreign companies may be catching the large fish to harvest their fins so they can be used in soup and for decoration in Asia.