KOTA KINABALU: Divers and tour operators have urged the Sabah government to take immediate action after seeing recent photos of shark fin being sold openly at a shop in the state capital.
Sabah Diverangers co-founder Jude Junius said he would love to see the state government make a stand in banning the sale of shark fin to save the marine ecosystem.
"(By doing so, it will) project that the government and the tourism ministry understand and stand firm on the protection of its underwater product for the tourism industry to (contribute) revenue to the state.
"It also has the potential growth for business opportunities, and most of all, providing current and future jobs for many locals," he said in a statement.
Malaysia is home to more than 150 species of sharks and stingrays. Only 12 species are listed under Fisheries Act 1985, while 64 species are listed under International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008.
Among the species of sharks listed under the two acts are whale sharks and hammerhead sharks.
It is often difficult to distinguish which shark fins belong to which species and they are often considered as "bycatch" or accidentally caught with other species.
Sharks, as apex predators, have a special role in weeding out the old and sick in fish populations. This ensures the long-term health of the fish stocks and provides balance to the ecosystem.
Meanwhile, another tour operator, Billy Hammond, said the local marine parks in several aspects have greatly improved, but in other areas, it has not.
"The efforts of groups such as Sabah Dive Rangers and Enforcement Teams are admirable.
"But without government support and the stopping of real issues such as fishing bombing and shark finning, it will be difficult," he said.
In the past, the Sabah government had banned shark fin and designated all its marine parks as a sanctuary for the species.
Some hoteliers have also supported the move to take out shark fin from their menu.
Efforts have also been made to introduce the luxurious empurau fish as an alternative.
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