The great shark hunt
Sharks may soon disappear from the Bay of Bengal. Thanks to the greedy fishermen who are killing these predators for its fins between the Srikakulam and Kakinada coast.
Sharks are a highly endangered species according to the Red Data Book of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Shark fins are very popular in some Asian countries and this prompts fishermen to net them without compunction or second thoughts. Shark fin soup is a prized delicacy in some countries while according to Chinese traditional medicine, the fins are used to strengthen the waist, supplement vital energy, nourish blood, reinvigorate the kidneys and lungs and improve digestion.
Powdered shark fins are also highly sought after as an aphrodisiac in Asian markets. According to the Wildlife Act 1972, hunting, trading and consumption of sharks can attract prison term of seven years and fine of Rs 25,000. However, this has not curbed the trade.
Overfishing in the Bay of Bengal has led to the decline of several species of fishes. This has forced fishermen to hunt sharks to make an easy buck.
Fishermen use Beach Land Crafts to catch sharks in the waters off Vizag coast using hooks. Though it is against the law, they conduct open auctions of sharks at the fishing harbour close to the fisheries department. An average sized shark weighing between 60 to 100 kg would fetch the local fisherman about Rs 1,300.
To read the full article, click here..
To read the ePaper, visit:
http://server1.dc-epaper.com/DC/DCH/2008/08/11/index.shtml
Sharks are a highly endangered species according to the Red Data Book of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Shark fins are very popular in some Asian countries and this prompts fishermen to net them without compunction or second thoughts. Shark fin soup is a prized delicacy in some countries while according to Chinese traditional medicine, the fins are used to strengthen the waist, supplement vital energy, nourish blood, reinvigorate the kidneys and lungs and improve digestion.
Powdered shark fins are also highly sought after as an aphrodisiac in Asian markets. According to the Wildlife Act 1972, hunting, trading and consumption of sharks can attract prison term of seven years and fine of Rs 25,000. However, this has not curbed the trade.
Overfishing in the Bay of Bengal has led to the decline of several species of fishes. This has forced fishermen to hunt sharks to make an easy buck.
Fishermen use Beach Land Crafts to catch sharks in the waters off Vizag coast using hooks. Though it is against the law, they conduct open auctions of sharks at the fishing harbour close to the fisheries department. An average sized shark weighing between 60 to 100 kg would fetch the local fisherman about Rs 1,300.
To read the full article, click here..
To read the ePaper, visit:
http://server1.dc-epaper.com/DC/DCH/2008/08/11/index.shtml
Labels: Bay of Bengal, disappear, fishermen, Kakinada coast, Shark fins, shark hunt, Sharks, Srikakulam coast
posted by PressMart Team at
12:52 PM
0 Comments
Links to this post
