Shark pups a growing concern in Arakan State markets

By Admin 26 Jun 2023

DMG Newsroom
26 June 2023, Sittwe

Increased selling of shark pups has been reported in some townships in Arakan State. The often endangered species are being sold not only in markets but also in bazaars as it is the breeding season of sharks now, said residents.

“I saw many baby sharks being sold in markets in Kyaukphyu. I travelled to Zinchaung village today, and saw that big sharks sold there had babies in their wombs,” said a Kyaukphyu resident.

In Arakan State’s capital Sittwe, the administrative seat of the regime, baby sharks are being sold in public as if it were legal, said residents.

“We don’t see baby sharks being sold at the market every day. But sometimes, many baby sharks are sold at market in a single day. As no one takes legal action, people are selling and buying it completely freely,” said Daw Hla Win Nu of Mingan ward in Sittwe.

Depending on size, a baby shark is sold for 5,000 to over 10,000 kyats, according to residents.

In Sittwe, Mrauk-U and Kyaukphyu townships, not only shark pups, but tortoise and tortoise eggs are sold in the markets. They are also being sold online, said residents.

Observers say endangered species are sold publicly because authorities fail to educate and punish effectively.

“Sharks are not allowed to be caught either legally or illegally. The Fisheries Department should educate fishermen. It is saddening to see baby sharks in the market, while they face extinction. People have no knowledge, and concerned departments do not educate and punish people for catching sharks,” said a social activist in Kyaukphyu.

An official of the Arakan State Fisheries Department said: “Baby sharks are prohibited species. We will make checks in towns. We are currently running education programmes.”

Sharks are one of 577 totally protected species in Myanmar, according to a notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

Hunting prohibited sea creatures is punishable by one to five years in prison, or 1 million kyats to 10 million kyats, or both, under the Myanmar Marine Fisheries Law.