SANDAKAN – Conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding sharks and rays in Malaysia extend far beyond the limited scope of species found in a wet market, a local conservationist said.
In response to recent news articles about the sale of sharks and rays at the Semporna wet market, scientist Serena Adam said that such reports contribute to misinformation, strained relationships, and unjustly burden innocent fishermen.
Adam said that attributing blame solely on fishermen oversimplifies the issue and hampers the collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including government bodies and those engaging directly with fishermen.
She said this narrative aggravates misinformation and tensions, causing unnecessary fear among fishermen.
Adam said that the reality of fishing practices in Malaysia involves the accidental catching of sharks and rays, alongside other fish, due to the non-selective nature of the fishing methods employed.
“The blaming party narrative doesn’t work anymore. Rather, it creates tensions and builds more barriers for people like us to work with fishermen or with the government,” she said.
She clarified that, often, fishermen hesitate to display these species captured from their nets due to fear of punishment or negative media attention. However, these species are not protected by law, rendering their sale legal.
“We should spread information that these species are declining and encourage the need for collaborative efforts with the fishing industry to conserve the species for the ecological benefits sharks and rays provide to the ocean and people,” she said.
‘Endangered’, ‘threatened’, or ‘vulnerable’
Earlier this month, the diving community in Sabah expressed concerns over unrestricted sales of rarely seen marine species at the Semporna wet market.
This followed the circulation of images of sharks and rays sold at the market, shared by Facebook user Luma Duyung Semporna.
Sabah Dive Squad Club President, Sim Fui, highlighted the potential harm posed to the delicate marine ecosystem, and the allure of the underwater world for tourists due to the unrestricted sale of these species.
While acknowledging that the species are often caught incidentally, Sim stressed the importance of heightened awareness programs and alternative livelihoods to minimise the influx of these species into the market, thus safeguarding marine biodiversity and the diving industry’s sustainability.
In response, Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan stated that the sharks and rays in question were not listed as ‘endangered’ under the Fisheries Act 1985, thereby legitimising their sales.
Although it is correct, Adam noted that two of the observed species were ‘threatened’ in terms of their risk of extinction, the devil ray is classified as ‘endangered’ and the spinner shark is ‘vulnerable’ according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Adam also urged the media to exercise caution in using the term ‘endangered’ and ensure its context is well-defined to prevent misinformation.
Similar incidents of sharks and rays being sold in open markets have been reported in other parts of Sabah over the years, with authorities consistently asserting the legality of such sales.
Addressing threats
Adam acknowledged that there is no single solution to mitigate threats to marine life. She stressed that these threats are multifaceted, and require the involvement of various stakeholders.
She said the threats are extensive, complex and involve various stakeholders, adding that sharks and rays continue to be caught because of increasing fishing pressure to supply local seafood demand, and there is currently no management to reduce the bycatch of threatened species.
Another growing problem, she said, is the continuous demand for shark and ray meat, fins, skins, and other value-added products.
“We need an interdisciplinary approach to address a complex human-centred issue,” she added.
Adderick Chong, a conservationist from the Sabah Shark Protection Association, suggested that the Fisheries Department should acknowledge that sharks and rays are not suitable for consumption.
“An overall protection for them (sharks and rays) is not only practical but effective and easy to enforce. Conservationists should push for the Fisheries Act 1985 to be amended and work closely with the ministry in every step of the way towards protection,” Chong told Scoop.
“The last I checked, I believe the amendment had been forwarded to the attorney-general during the previous administration. Conservationists or the media should follow up on this.”
Under the Federal Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999, Fisheries Act 1985, four shark species and two manta ray species, including the great hammerhead shark, smooth hammerhead shark, winghead shark, oceanic whitetip shark, giant oceanic manta, and reef manta, are protected.
This list was last amended on July 17, 2019. – August 26, 2023