[SPLASH-Darren]

I was one of the group of divers who found the Whale Shark in Anilao. Judging by the rope marks around the tail and damage to the underside of the fish, this magnificent creature had been roped up and pulled onto a boat to be finned before being discarded into the ocean.

It was still alive when we found it, though only just. The muscles around its fins were still trying to move them and eyes still alert.

The guys from the Acacia Dive Resort called out the Marine Police who arrived within the hour and reporters from the local and national news. Footage from one of our divers - Pete was aired the same day on the local news and the following day on the national news.

I understand that media pressure in the Philippines brought an end to the slaughter of Thresher Sharks last year (is this true?) and hope the same will come out of this senseless act. I fear though that this slaughter will continue while there is a demand and whilst the authorities appear to cover up what appears to me to clearly be a blatant capture and finning.

Of course the fisherman who perpetrated this act should be pursued but it is the demand that also needs to be stopped and how does one do that?

I wish my first encounter with these magnificent creatures had been much more pleasant experience but hope these photos and videos can be put to good use to help bring an end to the destruction of these gentle giants of the oceans!