Daily Express 24 Feb 09;
Semporna: The Semporna Tourism Action Council (STAC) has proposed that a ban be placed on shark fishing and finning activities in Sabah to protect the State's diving industry.
Responding to reports that divers are threatening to boycott the State if such activities continue, the council which was initiated in October 2007 to ensure that sustainable tourism development, marine conservation and environmental protection are in place in the district, said sharks were an important tourist attraction for divers.
A national daily had on Feb 16 reported that shark finning activities have being going on for several years at the Ligitan island group area and apparently that has upset divers.
"Why should we contribute to the decline of a beautiful area by supporting a place, which does not protect its own resources," a diver was quoted as saying and urged resorts to lobby Sabah Parks to prohibit shark finning in the area.
The report also quoted State Fisheries Director, Rayner Stuel Galid as saying that shark finning was not illegal in Sabah.
"Those with valid fishing licence had the right to fish in the area provided they did not encroach on protected areas," he said.
This, said Galid include fishing for sharks, adding that the only protected species of shark under the current law was the whale shark.
STAC in a statement, Monday said that the presence of the sharks contributes to the diving industry of Sabah, particularly in Semporna, adding that most scuba divers are attracted to places with good shark populations.
The council is headed by the District Officer and comprises members from the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Sabah Parks, Sabah Fisheries Department, Sabah Tourism Board, as well as non-governmental bodies such as WWF Malaysia and local tourism players and business communities.
It said that on Feb 17, it held a meeting to discuss the matter of shark finning activities in Mabul and in the meeting, the National Plan of Action (NPOA) on the Conservation and Management of Sharks which is being implemented by various agencies led by the Fisheries Department since 2006 was highlighted.
However, the council felt that if the shark population can be restored through the implementation of the NPOA and that shark fishing can be proven to be sustainable then there would be no need for a ban on the activity.
In the meantime, the council said that it would conduct awareness campaigns among the local communities in Semporna and Mabul on shark fishing and finning.
It also said that the Environmental Action Committee (EAC Semporna) has been formed and hoped that any future constructive comments or environmental concern is addressed appropriately for immediate action.
While thanking the public for their concern, the council felt that the issue had been blown out of proportion, which could effect the local communities that depend on tourism for their livelihood.
