KOTA KINABALU: Concerns are being raised once again over the sale of sharks at a market in Semporna district in Sabah’s east coast, with calls for a total ban on hunting and finning of all shark species. Marine conservationists and diving enthusiasts are expressing their worries as pictures of devil rays, bamboo sharks, blacktip sharks, porcupine fish, blue spotted stingrays, and parrotfish being sold openly at the Semporna wet market circulate on social media platforms.
These images were initially posted on the Luma Duyung Semporna Facebook page before being shared on various social chat groups. Researchers and divers are concerned about whether these sharks were caught within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, which is famous for its Pulau Sipadan diving haven.
The diving community fears that the unrestricted sale of these species could cause significant damage to the delicate marine ecosystem and undermine the beauty of the underwater world that attracts tourists to the Semporna region.
Sim Fui, the president of the Sabah Dive Squad Club, explained that encountering these sharks during underwater excursions is a source of delight for divers. However, the sale of endangered species like devil rays and bamboo sharks at the Semporna wet market contradicts conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.
He emphasized the need for stronger enforcement and stricter penalties for those involved in the illegal capture and trade of endangered marine species, stating that protecting marine life is not only about preserving diving destinations but also about maintaining the ecological balance of the oceans.
Sim highlighted that fishing within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park is illegal, and hunting for certain shark species is banned by the Malaysian government. Four shark species and two manta ray species received country-wide protection under the Federal Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999, Fisheries Act 1985 as of July 17, 2019. However, he urged the government to expand the list of protected shark species and ensure effective enforcement to prevent fishing within the marine park.
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the shortfin devil ray is listed as endangered and is rarely found in the world’s oceans. Several shark species are also listed as near threatened and threatened on the IUCN list.
Sim emphasized that Semporna’s underwater world is a major tourism draw and significantly contributes to the local economy. He called for increased awareness programs and alternative livelihoods for the local community to minimize the presence of these precious species in the market, as the practice of selling them could have long-term impacts on marine biodiversity and the diving industry.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
