KOTA KINABALU: Consumers can play a role in reducing the sale of sharks and rays in the market, said Marine Research Foundation conservation officer Ho Kooi Chee.
A diving instructor recently shared information about the sale of catsharks at a local seafood restaurant in Tuaran near here.
The sharks, which are kept in aquarium tanks, are sold at RM12 per 100g.
Ho mentioned that during her study on shark species, she frequently observed catsharks compared to other species.
"However, the population of this species is decreasing globally according to the IUCN Red List.
"Despite that, it can still be legally sold in Malaysia as they are not listed on the protected list under the Fisheries Act 1985," she told the New Straits Times.
As of July 17, 2019, four shark species and two manta ray species gained country-wide protection under the Federal Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999, Fisheries Act 1985.
These species are the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran), smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena), winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii), oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus), giant oceanic manta (Manta birostris) and reef manta (Manta alfredi).
"Therefore, as consumers, we should be mindful before consuming sharks and rays, as we might unknowingly consume meat from critically endangered species like hammerhead sharks, devil rays, and others.
"To address this, we should refrain from consuming these animals. When demand decreases, restaurants may no longer see value in serving them, and fishers might be more inclined to release them back into the sea."
Ho also hopes that there will be periodic revisions from the authorities for a more comprehensive list of protected species to ensure the health of endangered species populations in our waters.