Found throughout the tropical parts of Indian Ocean (Ref. 45255). Forty whale sharks have been captured over a 4-day period by harpoon fishery off the Veraval coast. After removal of the liver, the carcasses were discarded since there is no local demand for the flesh (Ref. 26319). The target of smallscale harpoon fisheries. The Indian Central Government's Ministry of Environment and Forests granted full legal protection to whale shark in Indian territorial waters by adding the species to Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, under subsection (1) of section 61, on 28th May 2001 (Ref. 48696). Also Ref. 43278, 118627.