Malaysia: Large shark catch being sold in fish markets raising concerns

The Star 11 Aug 11;

KOTA KINABALU: A shockingly large catch of sharks are being sold at the fish market here, raising concerns among conservationists who have been campaigning against this practise.

This prompted JCI Tanjung Aru chairman Aderick Chong to say: “There are just more sharks in the market than in the waters.”

He said a month-long survey at the market conducted jointly by JCI and marine science discovery centre Green Connection showed the seriousness of the situation, adding that sharks could be driven to extinction.

Chong, who met Kota Kinabalu City Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir over the matter yesterday, said the full details of the survey would be released later this month.

He said many visitors travelled to Sabah to enjoy its marine biodiversity but could disappointed to find nothing while diving.

Chong said the Mayor was informed of the importance of shark conservation as they played an important role in keeping the ocean clean.

He said the JCI members also mooted the idea of making KK city a “shark friendly city,” he said, adding that the mayor also signed his support for the campaign.

Chong said the group also asked if they could be provided billboard space and banners to display messages at strategic locations in the city.