Kuala lumpur: A total of 5,610.55 tonnes of sharks have been recorded landing in Malaysian waters throughout 2024, based on the current statistics from the Department of Fisheries (DOF).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain reported that Sarawak recorded 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).

In a statement, Adnan emphasized the need to strengthen the monitoring and management of fishery resources in an integrated manner, particularly to ensure the sustainability of increasingly endangered marine species. As part of sustainable resource management efforts, five species of sharks have been declared protected under the Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) (Amendment) Regulations 2019. Activities involving capturing, possessing, selling, or exporting these species are prohibited and may result in legal action.

The protected species include Sphyrna mokarran (Great Hammerhead), Sphyrna zygaena (Smooth Hammerhead), Eusphyra blochii (Hammerhead variant), Carcharhinus longimanus (Oceanic Whitetip shark), and Rhincodon typus (Whale shark). Adnan highlighted the crucial role these species play in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem due to their status as apex predators.

The loss of these species could disrupt biodiversity stability and impact the well-being of the country’s fishery resources. Adnan urged fishermen, industry players, NGOs, and the public to adhere to regulations and support governmental conservation efforts.

The DOF continues to strengthen conservation initiatives through ongoing monitoring, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, in cooperation with enforcement agencies, NGOs, and the fishing community. These efforts aim to ensure the sustainability of the country’s marine resources for future generations.