Reported from Taiwan Strait (Ref. 47843). Whale shark meat is sought after in Taiwan where it fetches a high price. Two whale shark fisheries are believed to take approximately 100 sharks annually (Ref. 26319). Caught commercially by harpoon (Ref. 35678). Small ones are caught on long-line or by set net in coastal waters occasionally (Ref. 35678). Common Commodity Codes assigned for 7 whale shark products in order to monitor international trade in the Customs database; Article 11 of the Foreign Trade Law could be applied in Taiwan to regulate imports and exports (Ref. 48696). The Council of Agriculture (COA) sets the annual whale shark quota for 2002 at 80 animals effective July 1, as part of an effort to reduce catches on a yearly basis (Ref. 48725). Also Ref. 13571, 43278.