Latest news with #SmoothHammerhead
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Science
- The Sun
Sharks vulnerable to overfishing
PETALING JAYA: Sharks caught in Malaysian waters are mostly by-catch and not the main target of fishermen, according to the Southeast Asian Marine Resources Institute. It said those landed were solely for domestic consumption and not sold or exported abroad. 'A total of 5,610 tonnes of sharks were landed in 2024, a slight decrease from 5,737 the previous year. 'None of the five shark species – the Great Hammerhead, Smooth Hammerhead, a Hammerhead sub-species, Oceanic Whitetip and the Whale Shark (pic) – listed under the Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 have been landed, as fishermen are now more aware of the prohibitions in place.' The institute also said most of the shark species landed were those commonly found in Malaysian waters, and the Fisheries Department remains highly proactive in ensuring that shark catches are carried out sustainably, without causing a significant decline in population. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science deputy dean (Academic and Student Affairs) Assoc Prof Dr Rumeaida Mat Piah said sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine park ecosystems. She added that a decline of shark populations could have serious negative impacts on coral reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity at marine parks. 'As apex predators, their absence could trigger a cascade of effects, such as imbalances in prey population, alterations in habitat structure and a reduction in overall biodiversity. 'Based on current data, it is hard to say if landing over 5,000 tonnes of sharks is a cause for concern, as there is no set limit for what is considered too much. 'The drop could mean fewer sharks in the sea or simply less fishing activities targeting them. 'Further research is needed to estimate the maximum sustainable yield or precautionary threshold for shark landings to serve as a benchmark for sustainable management.' Rumeaida highlighted that Malaysia has taken steps to protect shark populations, including supporting the Food and Agriculture Organisation International Plan of Action for Sharks and developing two national shark conservation plans in 2006 and 2014. She stressed that shark management requires a mix of strategies, such as international cooperation, sustainable fishing, protecting habitats and addressing threats to vulnerable species. 'Malaysia already bans the exploitation of endangered shark species under the Fisheries Act. Marine parks protect key habitats, harmful (fishing methods) such as pukat pari are banned, and artificial reefs help support shark breeding. 'More can be done, such as introducing catch quotas, minimum size limits and better fishing methods to avoid unintentional shark catches. For this, more detailed and widespread biological data is needed.' Rumeaida said UMT has been working closely with the department and WWF-Malaysia since 2022 on a study titled 'Understanding the Fisheries, Biological and Socio-Economic Aspects of Threatened Sharks and Rays' in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, of which she is project leader. 'Through this research, we have collected valuable biological data, including age, growth, reproductive status and genetic structures, identified key hotspot areas and proposed practical mitigation measures based on socio-economic risks and feasibility assessments. 'With the ongoing efforts and strong commitment of the department and WWF-Malaysia, shark populations in Malaysian waters can be sustained, but further steps such as stronger enforcement, catch limits, improved fishing methods selectivity and more population studies are needed to support future species-specific management plans.' She also said a common misconception is the small number of sharks seen at markets or landing ports has little impact. 'But unlike bony fish, sharks grow slowly, mature late, have long gestation periods, produce very few offspring and may not reproduce every year. These traits make them highly vulnerable to overfishing and slow to recover once their numbers decline.' She added that addressing overfishing and illegal shark harvesting in ecologically sensitive areas requires a comprehensive approach that includes stricter regulations, enhanced enforcement, community involvement, the promotion of sustainable fishing practices and increased investment in research and monitoring efforts.
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Malaysia records 5,610 tonnes of shark landings in 2024
PUTRAJAYA: A total of 5,610.55 tonnes of sharks were recorded in Malaysian waters in 2024, according to the Department of Fisheries (DOF). Sarawak reported the highest landings at 2,208.90 tonnes, followed by Perak (994.04 tonnes), Kelantan (783.99 tonnes), Sabah (545.77 tonnes), Pahang (471.35 tonnes), and Selangor (204.11 tonnes). DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain stressed the need for stronger monitoring and management of fishery resources to protect endangered marine species. 'Five shark species are now protected under the Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) (Amendment) Regulations 2019,' he said. 'Capturing, possessing, selling, or exporting these species is prohibited and punishable by law.' The protected species include the Great Hammerhead, Smooth Hammerhead, a Hammerhead variant, Oceanic Whitetip shark, and Whale shark. Adnan highlighted their ecological importance as apex predators, warning that their decline could disrupt marine biodiversity and fishery resources. He called on fishermen, industry players, NGOs, and the public to comply with regulations and support conservation efforts. 'The DOF is enhancing monitoring, enforcement, and awareness campaigns with enforcement agencies and fishing communities to ensure sustainable marine resources for future generations,' he added. - Bernama
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Missing Australian fisherman dragged overboard by shark, police say
Police in Australia say a fisherman who fell overboard during a fishing competition on Sunday was dragged by a shark that was entangled in fishing gear. The search for Paul Barning, a figure in the New South Wales Game Fishing Association, continued Monday after authorities were alerted around 1 p.m. Sunday that the 58-year-old had fallen from his boat, Dark Horse, about 34 miles off the coast of Newcastle near Port Stephens, authorities said. Marine Area Command Commander Superintendent Joe McNulty told local news outlets on Monday that investigators believe the shark was "quite large" compared to Barning's 6.8-meter long vessel. "During that process of bringing the shark alongside, he's become tangled in the fishing line, and the shark has taken off, and that fishing line was pulled taut and maybe contributed to him going over the side of the vessel. There's no evidence to say that shark has attacked the person in the water," McNulty said at a news conference. He added that Barning wasn't wearing a life jacket. Barning, the secretary and past president of the Port Hacking game fishing club, was a "highly experienced game fisherman." He was participating in the NSWGFA Interclub State Championships at the time of the incident, the game fishing organization said in a statement posted to social media. "This devastating accident highlights the risks involved in doing what we all love, game fishing," NSWGFA president Steve Lamond said in the statement. "Please look out for each other and stay safe." Game fishing is a sport in which competitors catch, tag and release game fish including marlins, tunas and sharks. Points depend on the species of the game fish and their size. Among the shark species eligible for points are Blue, Smooth Hammerhead, Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, Tiger, Great White and Whaler sharks, according to the NSWGFA rulebook. The shark that Barning caught was believed to be a Mako, police said, which can reach up to 13 feet long, according to the NOAA Fisheries. Competitors are also awarded prizes for catching the heaviest shark and catching the most sharks. Holocaust survivors on bearing witness Latest news on Pope Francis' health after lung infection, kidney failure Behind the scenes of "Survivor" Season 48
CBS News
24-02-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Missing fisherman was dragged overboard by shark entangled in fishing gear, Australian police say
Police in Australia say a fisherman who fell overboard during a fishing competition on Sunday was dragged by a shark that was entangled in fishing gear. The search for Paul Barning, a figure in the New South Wales Game Fishing Association, continued Monday after authorities were alerted around 1 p.m. Sunday that the 58-year-old had fallen from his boat, Dark Horse, about 34 miles off the coast of Newcastle near Port Stephens, authorities said. Marine Area Command Commander Superintendent Joe McNulty told local news outlets on Monday that investigators believe the shark was "quite large" compared to Barning's 6.8-meter long vessel. "During that process of bringing the shark alongside, he's become tangled in the fishing line, and the shark has taken off, and that fishing line was pulled taut and maybe contributed to him going over the side of the vessel. There's no evidence to say that shark has attacked the person in the water," McNulty said at a news conference. He added that Barning wasn't wearing a life jacket. Barning, the secretary and past president of the Port Hacking game fishing club, was a "highly experienced game fisherman." He was participating in the NSWGFA Interclub State Championships at the time of the incident, the game fishing organization said in a statement posted to social media. "This devastating accident highlights the risks involved in doing what we all love, game fishing," NSWGFA president Steve Lamond said in the statement. "Please look out for each other and stay safe." Game fishing is a sport in which competitors catch, tag and release game fish including marlins, tunas and sharks. Points depend on the species of the game fish and their size. Among the shark species eligible for points are Blue, Smooth Hammerhead, Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, Tiger, Great White and Whaler sharks, according to the NSWGFA rulebook. The shark that Barning caught was believed to be a Mako, police said, which can reach up to 13 feet long, according to the NOAA Fisheries. Competitors are also awarded prizes for catching the heaviest shark and catching the most sharks.
