NEW DELHI, India (28 Dec 2001) -- The Indian government today substantially weakened fishing regulations designed to protect dwindling shark populations. The earlier ban on over 50 types of sharks has been reduced to protect only nine. The move was in response to pressure from fishermen along India's east coast, who charged that the earlier ban was too comprehensive and too sudden, taking them by surprise and threatening their survival. Fishermen's Advisory Board member PG Sekar welcomed the relaxation of the ban, saying many families relied on the sea. Officials said that at least 50,000 fishermen along the east coast survive on marine fishing and 200,000 people are employed in associated activities. Shark cartilage is now exported to Europe and the US. Shark liver oil is also used. Marine conservationists fear that the lifting of restrictions will decimate the shark populations. Driven by affluent overseas markets and helped by outboard engine technology and a newly available range of nets, Indian fishermen in recent years have begun catching juvenile sharks for their fins. Fishermen here reportedly cut the sharks' fins off and dump the meat. Conservationist Bittu Sahgal reported that, "Babies with two- and three-inch fins are being caught, which severely disrupts their breeding cycle." A common sight in hundreds of fishing villages along India's west coast tells the story of the near-collapse of shark populations. Between 10,000 and 20,000 small shark fins drying up in the sun in each village, 'destined for Far East markets', explain why surveys of shallow coastal waters in recent months have often turned up no sharks at all, or at best very few. Despite such evidence, some Indian government officials claim the new rules will actually benefit the sharks. Tamil Nadu state Chief Minister Pannerselvam told the Indo Asian News Service: "Research organizations are in favor of periodic harvesting of sharks from the eastern seas of India. Controlled harvesting helps maintain an ecological balance." | | Driven by affluent overseas markets and helped by outboard engine technology and a newly available range of nets, Indian fishermen in recent years have begun catching juvenile sharks for their fins. Fishermen here reportedly cut the sharks' fins off and dump the meat. Environmentalists expressed outrage at Pannerselvam's comments. "Government officials who fail to perceive the difference between sustainable use of ocean resources and overfishing should find another line of work," said CDS (Cyber Diver Society) president, Evan T. Allard. "If governments worldwide fail to establish strict quotas immediately to protect sharks and other endangered edible marine life, overfished species will collapse along with the fishing communities that oppose the very regulations upon which their survival depends." © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
