Fisheries Dept: M'sia voted against shark protection as species not targeted

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia opposed an international resolution to protect certain species of sharks and rays from exploitation because they are not targeted species, says the Fisheries Department.

All the marine species listed in the proposal, such as the Mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus and Isurus paucus), Guitarfishes (Guitarfishes) and Rhinidae spp (Wedgefishes), were not targeted species but were actually by-catch, it said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 28).